Mr. Villain's Lovely Wife

Chapter 21

“What?” Calen’s face twisted, darkening as he processed the words he’d just heard. “What did you just say?” he demanded.

“She said your idea was wrong,” Monica repeated, her tone almost feigning concern. “Honestly, I don’t know what’s gotten into Izzy. I mean, I-”

“She said my idea was wrong?” Calen’s voice rose in disbelief. “She said that?”

“Oh, yes,” Monica confirmed, her lips curving slightly as she added, “She even mentioned bringing it up with your father, in person. I mean–isn’t that a bit-”

A low, angry mutter escaped Calen. “That woman-

–

”

Monica raised an eyebrow, masking her amusement with a concerned frown. “Maybe you should talk to her… like an adult.” Inside, she was practically grinning. Manipulating Calen against Izzy was turning out to be easier than she’d expected. All she needed to do now was let him stew.

“Alright, you know I didn’t tell you this because I wanted you two to fight, right?” she added, feigning exasperation. “I believe it wasn’t Izzy’s intention to insult you. She’s just been… off since that last trip. Maybe she just needs a break? A vacation? She’s been working nonstop for years. Why not consider giving her some time off?”

Everyone in the office knew that Izzy hadn’t taken a real break since she’d started at the company. Holidays, weekends- even Christmas and New Year’s–she’d worked without a word of complaint, always the tireless overachiever. To Monica, it was pathetic. Why was she working herself to the bone like she owned the company?

Monica rolled her eyes inwardly. Izzy and Calen as a couple? She’d always known how mismatched they were. Izzy, the quiet bookworm, and Calen, the thrill–seeker. Izzy would bury herself in novels all day, while Calen craved adventure–biking, skiing, anything that would get his blood pumping. They were like fire and ice, opposites forced together in some ridiculous parody of a relationship.

The memory of how it all started still grated on Monica. Izzy, shy, unassuming Izzy, had somehow ended up dating the very man Monica had admired since college. Monica had never outright confessed her feelings to Calen, but she’d sung his praises often enough for Izzy to know. She’d been so vocal about her admiration, about his achievements, his charisma. And then, as if on cue, Izzy had stepped in, snagging the one thing Monica had always thought could be hers.

The nerve! Monica was convinced that Izzy had done it out of jealousy, a twisted bid to one–up her. For years, she’d waited for a crack in Izzy’s perfect facade, a moment to reveal her true face to Calen. And today, at long last, Izzy had slipped.

However, all these thoughts were inside her head. Outside, Monica’s eyes widened as she clasped her hands together, her expression a picture of dramatic concern. “Oh, Calen babe, I mean, if Izzy thinks your idea is flawed, maybe she’s onto something. Or maybe not… It’s just… I can’t imagine the team being on board if they think you’re disregarding the risks. The project could suffer, don’t you think?”

Calen’s face darkened as he processed Monica’s words. “She’s been acting like she owns the place. Saying my idea is wrong in front of everyone? And now she thinks she can undermine me with my father?”

“Maybe… if she feels that strongly about it, perhaps you should just present it to the board. That way, everyone can see who’s truly right about the project. Wouldn’t that settle things?” Monica said immediately,

Calen’s gaze snapped to Monica, his expression shifting as he considered her suggestion. A sly glint flickered in his eyes. “You know what? You’re right.” He stood abruptly, adjusting his suit. “Cancel the rest of my meetings.”

“Yes, of course,” Monica responded with a pleased smile as she watched him storm out of the office. She smirked inwardly. Who would have thought it would be this simple to push Calen’s buttons? She had been waiting for a way to make Calen leave Izzy on his own accord. It took her years, and now, Izzy had finally slipped.

just made her

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Chapter 21

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the elevator doors slid open on the executive floor he made a beeline to his father’s office, ignoring curious looks from

a stack of paperwork, pen in hand, when Calen walked in. Without looking up, Renard continued

said, his voice taut. “Do you have a

stood just a few feet away. “Do

nodded. “You have ten minutes before

small nod of acknowledgment. “Alright, prepare the boardroom for the call,

to Calen, Renard rested his hands on the desk. “So, what’s the issue?” he

pushback Izzy thinks

too.” Renard’s business philosophy was straightforward and ruthless; to him, the world was

I’d like to present my

his son. “You want to

“I-”

time with pretenses, Calen. We both know she was behind on every proposal that was approved. Lying won’t

your

it… I suppose there’s little I can do to stop you, is there?”

“It was a team effort. She handled the paperwork, but the ideas were all mine.” He

sense. Then shall I set it

A week is enough.”

“You can choose your own team of people to help you out. Three people for you and three people working for Izzy. How

“Good,” Calen said.

Wed, Jan 1

Chapter 21

got up and held out his hand.

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in her plans, her