Chapter 22 

On the day Layla was discharged from the hospital, Lia’s adopted parents somehow learned about it and came to pick Layla 

1. up. 

Olive put on a forced smile and apologized to Lia. “What happened last time was my fault, Lia. Please don’t take it to heart” 

She blamed Frances for letting it slip, which led to her husband finding out. If word got out, she would be seen as horrible. Moreover, they were hoping for financial support from Lia, so she had no choice but to come. 

“Mom, I’m sorry for making you go through this, said Zach. 

During this time, Zach had been busy looking for a job and assured his wife was taking good care of Layla. If Frances hadn’t asked for money, he wouldn’t have realized how tough Layla’s life had been. 

Layla waved her hands tearfully. “Zach, I’m not the one suffering. It’s Lia.” 

Zach was hopeless, and she’d given up hope on him. 

With his g 

graying hair, Zach looked much older than his peers. He glanced at Lia with guilt. 

He said. “Lia, I’ve been busy job hunting these past few days and neglected you and Mom. It’s all my fault.” 

Zach hadn’t spent much time with Lia, but over the years in the Allen family, he knew her character. She always prioritized Layla’s well–being, even more than he did for his own mother. 

“Grandma, I’m fine, Lia said, understanding Zach’s struggles. She didn’t mind sacrificing for the family, but when it came to Layla, she couldn’t compromise. 

“Grandma, please come back with us, okay?” Lia pleaded, unwilling to leave Layla with the Phillips family. 

Layla gently patted Lia’s hand. Though touched, she still shook her head. 

She said, “Lia, you’re married now. I can’t trouble you. Although Coby’s family treats me well, I can’t be greedy. You two should focus on your life together. Just visit me occasionally, and be happy. 

At her age, she didn’t know how much longer she had, so she wanted to minimize trouble for the younger generation. “Grandma, Lia and I will take good care of you, Coby said. 

He could see how much Lia cared about Layla and was filled with gratitude and respect for her. 

“You and Lia take good care of yourselves, and I’ll be content,” Layla replied. 

She looked at her son. “Zach, let’s go back. She didn’t want her own selfishness to disrupt Lia’s happiness. 

“Alright, Mom, Zach said with a joyful smile. “Lia, listen to your grandmother.” 

“Mom, don’t worry. I’ll turn over a new leaf and take good care of you. He added. 

However, Olive was already plotting. “Lia, don’t worry. I’ll take good care of Grandma: 

Layla knew the kind of person she was but didn’t want to make things difficult for her son or burden Lia. 

Sering Layla’s determination, Lia reluctantly agreed to her wishes. 

In just ten minutes, everything was packed. 

18:31 Sat, Dec 14 G G . 

Chapter 22 

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Olive asked her husband to take Layla home first while she held Lia back. She grabbed Lia’s arm awkwardly and said, “Oh, Lia, you know how hard life has been for us since your dad lost his job… 

Lia understood Olive’s implication. “The living expenses can stay the same…” 

Before she could finish, Coby gently squeezed her hand to stop ber. 

“I’ll arrange a job for Dad and also ensure someone looks after Grandma,” Coby said. 

Providing a job and arranging care for Layla was better than handling them cash–it forced them to be self–reliant.. 

Olive’s face lit up with joy. With her husband’s age, finding a jolt was difficult. Now that he had a job and someone was taking care of Layla, she was naturally pleased. 

“Really? Oh that’s great!” said Olive 

Coby’s tone turned serious. “But if you dare to treat Grandma the way you did before, I’ll take back the job and bring Grandma to live with us.” 

Olive shivered. inexplicably scared of him. 

She’d heard from her daughter that this man had a violent streak and almost hit her once. So she didn’t dare ask him for 

more money. 

Tia, don’t worry, How could I ever treat my mother–in–law badly? Olive said, weighing the pros and cons. “I’ll go check on her. 

Excited, Olive ran 

share the good news with her husband, 

With just a few words, Coby had made Olive drop her excessive demands. 

Lia looked at him gratefully. “Coby, thank you. Thank you for your help. Thank you for thinking everything through.” 

Seizing the opportunity, he wrapped an arm around her waist, his lips brushing her cheek. “I’ll do anything for you.” 

Coby had guessed that Layla didn’t want to come back with them. Part of it was her love for Lia, and part of it was her desire. to observe Zach and Olive. 

He wouldn’t intervene too much but also wouldn’t allow things to return to the way they were. 

When they left the hospital, Coby arranged for a car to take Layla and the others back home. 

Layla, Lia, and Olive shared a car. 

“Lia, what does your husband do? This car isn’t cheap, and there even a driver, Olive asked. 

Olive didn’t know much about cars, but this one looked luxurious. She started to wonder if she had been wrong–maybe had married someone wealthy, 

Lia 

“Olive, why are you asking so many questions?” Layla interjected, unwilling to let her find out who Lia’s husband really was, fearing she’d use it as an excuse to demand money. 

“Mom, you’re being unfair. If Lia married well, I’d be happy for her too, Olive said with a smile. 

“He’s just an ordinary man, Lia answered simply. R 

“Oh, is that so Olive’s enthusiasm visibly waned. 

Lia’s brief reply shut down Olive’s questions. 

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Chapter 22 

Olive didn’t 

Dec 

thing else mattered. 

I really care if he was wealthy or not; as long as her husband had a job, nothing 

Meanwhile, Zach was sitting in another car with Coby. For some reason, he felt nervous. 

“So…I heard from Olive that you’re helping me find a job, Zach said, still unsure of Coby’s name. 

“You raised Lia for so many years. This is the least I can do to help, Coby said, his tone polite but distant. 

70% 

Zach felt ashamed. Over the years, any money he earned went to Olive, leaving Layla and Lia to survive by collecting scraps. If anyone had cared for Lia, it was Layla, not him. 

Coby continued. Twon’t hold anything against you for the past, but now, Lia is my wife. If anyone dares to bully her or pull underhanded tricks… 

Coby adjusted his sleeve slowly, his cold gaze sweeping toward the back seat, causing Zach to freeze in fear, not even daring to breathe. 

Twon’t hesitate to deal with them,” Coby warned. 

Zach had worked for the Allen family for years and was good at reading people. From Coby’s attire to his high–end car, it was clear he wasn’t ordinary. 

Zach quickly nodded. “Of course, of course.” 

E 

After dropping the family off, Lia and Coby didn’t linger. They said goodbye to Layla and returned to their villa at Skyview 

Villa 

“Why do I feel like Dad looks at you differently now? Lia asked, expressing her doubt. 

“Does he?” Coby’s gaze darkened slightly. 

“Maybe I was mistaken, Lia murmured, brushing off her own thoughts, 

They returned to their own business, Coby went to shower, and Lia chatted with a friend 

“Lia, did you really get married? And not to Issac?” her high school friend Cora asked, shocked. 

Cora had known Issac, too, and had just returned from a work trip, only to hear that Lia had suddenly married someone else. 

“Yes” Lia admitted, not intending to hide it. 

“Who is he? Why so sudden? Lia, are you in trouble?” asked Cor 

Cora knew about Lia’s complicated family background and had often disapproved of Issac. She had even urged Lia to leave him multiple times. Now Lia was not only out of her old job but also married–Cora couldn’t help but feel suspicious 

“No, Cora. Thanks for worrying. I’m fine,” said Lia. 

Lia didn’t want her friend to worry, especially since the financial difficulties she’d faced were now behind her. 

“So, who’s the lucky guy?” Cora asked, knowing Lia didn’t want to go into detail but still curious. 

“Actually, you know him, Lia said with a slight smile. 

“I know him? Who is it?” Cora’s curiosity peaked. 

“Coby,” said Lia 

18:31 Sat, Dec 14 G GO 

Chapter 22 

“What? That Coby?” Corn was shocked. 

一盘酸会70%面 

Back in school, Coby had been a legend. Even Cora had secretly had a crush on him, though she was one of many girls he had turned down. 

Cora yelled. “You married that Coby? Oh my gosh, Lia, are you are you weren’t tricked? Isn’t he gay?” 

“What?” Lia was dumbfounded. Coby was quite active every night, so that couldn’t be true. 

“Yeah, Coby’s not into women. Lia, don’t let him fool you,” said Cora. 

Back when Cora liked him, she had kept an eye on him and never saw him close to any girls. She had even heard rumors that he was into men, which had devastated her at the time. 

“Cora, you’re mistaken. He’s not like that; he’s just ” Lia didn’t know how to explain. She couldn’t exactly say their sex life was very active. 

“He’s just what?” asked Cora 

Coby leaned on the armrest of her chair, looking down at her with a sly grin. 

He was half naked, exposing her chest muscles to her. 

Startled, Lia glanced away, her heart racing. “Did he hear that? 

Flustered, her phone slipped from her hand. 

In her attempt to grab something, she accidentally tugged on the only thing he was wearing–his towel. 

“Careful” Coby said as he reached out to steady her 

Lia’s eyes widened as the towel fell to the floor. 

“Ahhh!” Lia screamed. 

The two tumbled onto the couch together, their bodies pressed against each other. 

“Lia, what’s going on?” Cora’s voice sounded frantic over the phone. “Lia, what happened?” 

I’m so sorry! I didn’t mean to Lia stammered, her face flushed as she pointed to his now uncovered waist. 

Coby glanced down, calmly picked up the towel, and wrapped it back around himself. I’ll go change into my pajamas. 

“O–Okay.” Lia watched him retreat, her eyes involuntarily following his muscular back and toned physique. Her face grew even hotter as she quickly slapped her own cheeks, scolding herself for being distracted. 

What was I doing just now? Oh right, the phone!‘ Lia quickly picked it up. 

“Lia, I’m coming over,” Cora said, clearly worried. 

“Cora, it’s nothing. I just… uh.. accidentally saw something I shouldn’t have, answered Lia 

“What? A cockroach Cora asked, knowing Lia was terrified of them. “Don’t worry, just step on it!” 

“Uh yeah, something like that. Let’s talk another time, Cora, I said bye to her. 

“Alright, just take care! Cora hung up. 

After ending the call, Lja let out a sigh of relief. The incident had left her frazzled, and she didn’t want to explain further. 

球70%童 

3-31 Sat, Dec 14 

Chapter 22 

When Coby came back freshly dressed, Lia’s face still held a rosy hue. She busied herself with random tasks, avoiding his 

gaze. 

“Lia Coby called her. 

She didn’t respond. He walked up behind her and gently wrapped his arms around her. “Don’t overthink it.” 

“Coby. I’m sorry about earlier, she quickly said, eager to clear the air. 

He leaned down, brushing a strand of hair from her face, his voice teasing. “Sorry for what? Sorry for looking?” 

Lia had no words. It wasn’t like she hadn’t seen him before. 

Realizing there was no good response, she stayed quiet, hoping to end the conversation. 

“Who were you on the phone with earlier?” Coby asked casually, noting how engrossed she’d been in the call. 

“Someone you know, Lia replied honestly. 

“Someone I know?” Coby was curious. 

“Cora, one of o 

our high school classmates,” she answered. 

Coby vaguely remembered Cora but hadn’t paid much attention to other women back then. 

“I think I heard something about me not being interested in something?” asked Coby. 

“Nope, nothing like that!” Lia said quickly, shaking her head vigorously. She couldn’t let him find out that Cora thought he liked men–it would cause unnecessary misunderstandings. 

Coby could tell she was lying. She always avoided eye contact and grew visibly anxious when she did. 

“Alright. You have work tomorrow, so let’s get some rest,” he said, deciding not to push further. 

“Okay.” She nodded. 

He scooped her up effortlessly and carried her toward the bed. 

As his tall frame leaned over her, Lia instinctively covered her neck, her cheeks flushing 

“What’s wrong?” he asked with a mischievous grin. 

“Don’t leave any marks here, she murmured. 

She had her first day at Ford Group tomorrow, and marks in visible places would be awkward. 

“How about here?” Coby pointed to a spot just below her collarbone. 

The warmth of his finger on her skin sent a shiver down her spine. After a moment of hesitation, she nodded, 

“You’re so obedient. Do you always do as I say? Coby chuckled, his tone full of affection and teasing. 

La tilted her head lightly, clutching the sheets tightly, her thoughts a chaotic mess. He wanted to have her even more badly 

One mark wasn’t enough–soon there were more. 

The night stretched on… 

The next morning, Lia woke up at the sound of her alarm. 

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Chapter 22 

Fortunately, Coby had shown some restraint, knowing she had work today. Lia woke up feeling refreshed and full of energy. 

“It’s still early,” Coby murmured, nuzzling against her hair. 

Lia lightly tapped his arm. “Mr. Ford. I need to get up and get ready for work.” 

Having ensured that Layla was taken care of, she was eager to start her new job. 

Coby opened his slightly reddened eyes and spoke in a lazy tone “Lia, what did you just call me?” 

Coby didn’t sleep as well as Lia 

“Coby. She corrected herself, feeling a bit awkward. 

“Outside of work, just call me by my name. He reminded her. 

“Alright. Coby, can I get up now?” Lia smiled. 

Still holding her close. Coby felt her subtle movements. Realizing she hadn’t noticed what she was unintentionally doing, he let out a sigh and released her. 

Lia always turned her back to him when she dressed. Meanwhile, he leaned on the bed, resting his chin on his hand, appreciating the view of her smooth, graceful back. 

“Let me help,” said Coby. 

His hands moved to her back as he offered to fasten her bra. Embarrassed, Lia pulled her hands away. “Thank you.” 

Coby wasn’t skilled at fastening bras–he’d only ever unhooked them. His fingers clumsily brushed against her soft skin, which felt warm to the touch 

There, all done,” he said. 

“Thanks” Lia quickly put on the rest of her clothes and darted out of the room, leaving Coby chuckling behind her. Watching her retreating figure, he smiled to himself. “Looks like I’ll have to help her more often 

6/6 

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C