Chapter 38
Not long after Molly got home, she received a message from Reiny.
Did you get home?]
Though surprised, she politely replied, I did. Rest well, Dr. Walker.]
You too.]
After tidying up, Molly lay on her bed, stretching lazily. Dr. Walker was pretty nice.
Meanwhile, on the other end, Remy looked at his phone, a smile tugging at the corners of his mouth.
The next morning, Lie slowly woke up at Skyview Villa. Coby’s messy hair brushed against her neck.
“Haha, it tickles.” She gently pushed him away with her small hands.
The man lifted his head, “Good morning, Lia.”
“Good morning,” she replied.
They were set to leave for Floral Island in the afternoon, which meant they could enjoy a lazy morning together
The two of them stayed in bed, neither wanting to get up.
Lia was lying on his arm with her back to him. His large hand slid up from her waist and stopped at a soft spot. Lia shifted uncomfortably, but he only pulled her closer.
“Coby!” Lia called softly, her cheeks flushing red.
He nuzzled his face into her hair. “Be good. I like it here.”
Lia didn’t know what to say.
Slightly out of breath, Lia grabbed his wandering hand and whispered, “Coby, we still have to pack.
He turned her body toward him and cupped her flushed face. “Just a little longer.”
“Hmm?” She looked at him, confused..
“Just one more time. As he spoke, his gentle kisses began to trail downward.
Lia tilted her head slightly, her small hands climbing onto his back.
She remembered him saying he wasn’t really interested in this kind of thing, that it was just a need–but it seemed like his need was quite frequent.
When Lia woke up again, he was already gone. She didn’t feel like moving but forced herself to get up, thinking about the afternoon’s plan
The moment Coby walked back in, he saw her bare, snow–white back.
“Why are you up?” he asked.
His sudden voice startled her, and she reflexively turned around Seeing the glint in his eyes, she realized she was
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Chapter 38
completely naked Flustered, she scrambled to pull the covers er herself, leaving only her shy, alluring eyes exposed.
“I was thinking about packing,” she said.
He was holding a tray, likely with food on it.
Til handle the packing. You eat first. Coby set the tray down,
“Alright.” Lia nodded.
Lia couldn’t find her pajamas and suddenly remembered that after her shower last night, she hadn’t worn pajamas. Instead, she’d put on the gift from Molly, which had ended up being a one–time thing. Now it was unwearable.
But she really needed to use the bathroom.
After a few seconds of hesitation, she decided to get out of bed, but he was quicker, scooping her up in his arms. “Where are you going?”
“The bathroom, Lia mumbled, her head hanging low, wishing she could just disappear.
Her pale arms rested on his shoulders, her body still marked with traces of the night before.
Gently setting her down in the bathroom, he noticed her embarrassment and chuckled. Tll grab your pajamas.”
“Okay,” she said.
He took a few steps but turned back. “I was… a little excited last night.”
Lia nervously fidgeted with her fingers, staring at her feet. “Mm
Did he really need to say it so bluntly?‘ she thought.
Clearing his throat, he added. “I really liked how you looked wearing that.”
“Oh,” said Lia.
If she hadn’t been looking down, she might’ve noticed the rare flush on his face.
“Maybe I’ll try more in the future,” she said.
Hmm. Thanks.” He smiled.
After he left, Lia covered her face in embarrassment. What kind of conversation was that?
Still, knowing he liked it made her oddly happy.
They ended up having brunch
After eating, Coby started packing. Lia wanted to help but got distracted when Molly called.
“Lia, are you mad at me?” she asked.
Molly had timed her call perfectly–not too early to be inappropriate, but not too late for an apology.
“No. Molly,” Lia replied. She knew Molly meant well and thought about picking a gift for her at some point.
Molly breathed a sigh of relief. “Thank you, Lia. I’m hosting a new product launch next month. I’d love for you to come!”
“Of course, Molly. I’ll definitely be there to support you.” Lia agreed immediately.
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Chapter 38
“Lia, which one do you want to bring? Or should I pack them all asked Culy
Lia looked up and saw Coby standing by the door, casually holding a black lace bra in one hand and a pink one in the other. Her face turned crimson in an instant.
*Lia, what are you packing?” Molly askerl curiously, having overlieard her brother’s voice.
“Nothing, Molly. I have to go now,” said Lia.
“Alright, Lia. Talk to you later!” Molly tactfully hung up the phone. She knew something was going on there.
Lia awkwardly walked over and took the items from his hand, Goby, I can pack by myself.”
He didn’t stop her, watching her hurriedly stuff them into the sense. Perfect–just as he wanted.
“Who was calling just now?” he asked.
Lia answered honestly, “Molly”
Coby pinched the bridge of his nose. “Ignore what that girl says.
“Molly was just calling to apologize,” she said.
“Apologize? Coby knew his sister too well–it was probably just to gather information.
“Coly, are you done packing?” she asked.
“Not yet,” he answered.
“What’s missing?” she asked.
He took her hand and led her to the wardrobe, opening a drawer full of his boxers. “Lia, help me pick a color.”
“A–any color is fine,” Lia stammered, unsure what to choose..
“I remember you like purple,” Coby said.
“Yeah. Lia nodded.
She liked bellflowers, which made her fond of purple. But how did he know?
“Then purple it is,” he said.
Lia wasn’t sure what to comment.
Floral Island, located at the southernmost tip of Brighton, was a beautiful but remote island. Due to its geographical location, transportation was inconvenient, despite its scenic charm. The government planned to develop it as a tourist destination and collaborate with business leaders.
However, the first challenge was the resistance from island residents, who feared development would destroy their ecosystem and leave their homeland in ruins.
This project required a substantial upfront investment, and there were only a few truly capable contenders.
Sull,
any were ea
many eager to take a slice of the pie, even at great
risk.
The Ford and Allen families, with their financial strength, were highly anticipated by the public.
Coby’s trip was to present a concrete implementation plan. Since this project couldn’t be secured overnight, their visit to
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Chapter 38
Floral Island aimed to undertand the real situation and make adjustments accordingly.
0 × 75%2
Floral Island had no airport, so the only way to get there from Brighton was by small boat or sightseeing cruise, offering stunning views along the way.
Lia and Coby stood on the deck, enjoying the sea breeze, feeling refreshed.
Coby wrapped his arm around her slender waist and tapped her nose. “Lia, why are you smiling!
inv
You’ve got red veins in your eyes, she said.
Yesterday’s ice pack had worked a bit–the swelling at the corners of his eyes had subsided, making the red veins stand out
more.
He feigned ignorance. “Why don’t you tell me why they are there
Lia glanced at the others nearby and nudged his arm. “Mr. Por veryone’s watching”
“Owen is used to it, he replied confidently.
This man truly didn’t care about his image.
Since the island had only one hotel, they didn’t bring too many people–just Owen and a few bodyguards. He acted without
restraint.
The hotel rooms had been booked in advance by local staff. There were six rooms in total, and Lia had one to herself. But the man didn’t stay in his room. He followed her instead.
Lia said tactfully, “This room is small,”
Then come to mine?” asked Coby
Even on a business trip, he didn’t want to be apart from his wife
Lia didn’t know how to respond.
Seeing her silent, Coby wrapped his arm around her waist. “Lia, don’t you want to be with me?”
“We’re on a business trip, Coby. Go back, please. If word got out, it would be hard to explain.
His nose brushed against hers as he acknowledged her concern.
“Alright, I’ll leave,” he said.
“Thank
*** Coby.” Lia kissed his check.
And just like that, he was sent away. On his way out,
he ran into Uwen.
“Mr. Ford, why are you carrying your suitcase? Let me take it.” Owen eagerly took the suitcase.
“Who arranged the rooms?” Coby asked.
“The local staff stationed here,” Owen answered.
“From now on, you’ll handle booking rooms for business trips,” Coby said, patting Owen on the shoulder.
“Yes, Mr. Ford, Owen replied with a forced smile.
He wasn’t sure if he should put Lia and Coby in the same room or not. It was a tough decision to make.
Chapter 38
When they arrived in the alginoon, it wasn’t too late, and everytime went to their rooms to unpack.
“Lia, did you really make Coby leave?” Cora called, planning to vent about her recent experiences, only to learn that Lia was out on a business trip
“I just thought it would look bad in front of everyone,” Lia said.
“Alright then. So, how was your Valentine’s Day last night? Cora had purposely avoided contacting Lia to give her space.
At the mention of the previous night, Lia couldn’t help but blush “It was fine.”
“Fine! Oh. I see! Cora teased.
“Cora!” Lia said with a playful whine.
“Alright, alright, I’m happy for you. By the way, there’s still no progress in finding your biological parents. Do you want Coby to help?” said Cora.
Lia wanted to know whether she’d been abandoned back then or if there was some other reason. She hadn’t looked into it before because she never had the opportunity while living with the Allen family.
The company’s busy lately. Once things calm down. I’ll ask him for help. Thanks, Cora,” she said.
“It’s nothing. I travel abroad often, so it’s no trouble at all,” said Cora.
“What about you? How did you spend yesterday?” Lia asked
“Don’t even ask. I hit someone with my car and now have to visit them in the hospital,” said Cora.
“What? You hit someone? Are you okay?” Lia asked.
Im fine. He’s not. Long story short, Lia, don’t worry about me. Focus on your work,” said Cora.
To make matters worse, the person she hit had amnesia, leaving her with no way to contact his family. Cora’s head was spinning.
“Let’s talk more when I’m back,” said Cora.
“Alright, take care.” After ending the call, Lia glanced at the time and realized he had messaged her.
[Lia, want to go out tonight?]
[Lia, are you busy?]
The most recent message had been sent two minutes ago
Knock, knock, knock…..
“Could it be him?” Lia muttered to herself as she walked to the door. Peering through the peephole, she wasn’t surprised–it was Coby,
He had changed into casual clothes, a far cry from his usual formal demeanor, making him look approachable.
“I was on a call earlier and didn’t see your message.” Lia explained as she opened the door.
“My wife sure gets a lot of calls,” he said with a playful hint of jealousy.
Lia chuckled softly. “Mr. Ford gets even more calls. Most of them are handled by Owen, though.”
Chapter 38
“Are you hungry?” he asked.
“Not really. Are you, Coby?” said Lia
She had snacked quite a bit during the trip and wasn’t feeling hungry at all.
“What do you think?” Without warning, Coby scooped her up, her legs instinctively wrapping around his lean waist,
“Coby, what’s wrong?” she asked.
“If nighttime is off–limits, is daytime okay?” he asked.
Her fingers curled nervously, her cheeks flushed with embarrassment. “I didn’t prepare for… that.”
His eyes gleamed mischievously as he whispered near her ear, “Don’t worry, love. I brought five boxes.”
Lia was shocked speechless.
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