Mr. Villain's Lovely Wife

Chapter 24

“I’m not returning those items,” Antalia said, folding her arms tightly. “Izzy. I’m your aunt. How could you ask me to return things you can easily afford?” She turned to the manager, her face reddening. “I’m authorized to use that card. Why should I return anything? I mean… what would this look like? What would people think?”

Izzy held her gaze, trying to piece together how long this had been going on. She’d trusted her family to access her accounts, always thinking it was the right thing to do. For years, she’d ever considered replacing Attorney Alcaraz, who managed her grandfather’s estate. Now, she was suddenly grateful she hadn’t.

Before she could say anything, Monica walked inside the office, with a flushed expression. “Hey… sorry, I’m late,” she said, brushing the sweat from her forehead. “Did something happen?

To Izzy’s surprise, Calen trailed behind Monica. Why was this bloke here? She wondered inwardly.

Monica looked between her mother and Izzy, then back to Calen “Mom said it was an emergency?”

“Yes, it is,” Izzy replied. She gestured toward the manager. “The bank manager flagged some transactions he thought were suspicious. That’s why the credit cards were blocked.”

“Suspicious” Monica’s brow furrowed.

“Yes, like a vacation in Belize.” Izzy kept her eyes on Monica. “I didn’t realize you were planning a trip there, Monica.”

“What?” Monica’s eyes widened. She glanced nervously at her mother, then back at Izzy. “I… I told you about that trip, remember? The one with Arianna and Sam? It’s for Sam’s birthday next year.”

Izzy nodded slowly. Of course. A vacation she hadn’t even been invited to, all first–class flights and luxury suites–paid for with her money. She resisted the urge to let out a dry laugh, still processing the audacity.

Wasn’t this just like their vacation in France or when they toured around Europe without her?

At that moment, Calen scoffed and spoke up. “It’s just a few thousand, right? Why is the bank making this into a whole ordeal?” He turned to the manager, a look of annoyance flashing across his face.

The manager straightened, folding his hands as he addressed Calen. “Sir, it’s not just one transaction. There have been multiple high–value purchases flagged in a short span, including flights, jewelry, and luxury items.”

I was just concerned about you. I told Calen

audacity to treat her like she

To her, working tirelessly to prove herself worthy in front of

done with this,” Izzy said,

this as an opportunity to get back at Monica? She’s your cousin, for crying out loud! Her mother raised you! How could you be

“This has nothing to do with you, Mr.

“You-”

Chapter 24

eyebrow, her gaze arting between Monica and Calen. Almost immediately Calen’s expression

not! I am here because

matter, does it?” Izzy interrupted him. “I am leaving.” She turned on her

you

Almost immediately, the anger she felt seemed to explode. “Now!” she

clearly surprised Calen. He looked at her in disbelief as he obliged. The previous Izzy would listen to whatever he wanted. The previous Izzy wouldn’t question him. And more importantly, the previous Izzy wouldn’t raise her

turning to the manager. “I apologize for all this drama, but

Amalia and her mother spoke at the same time. “Izzy, what are you-” Monica immediately teared up. She tried to hold Izzy, but Izzy quickly moved away,

longer. She knew that if she stayed, she might reveal

couldn’t let Izzy go just like that. She immediately ran after her and held her arm, pulling

Please listen to me.”

her face contorted. “Izzy, please, you have to understand. I didn’t mean to expose you to Calen. I was just

across her face. “What I was doing? Are you really saying that I

mother.

Monica’s eyes

us, for both of us. She worked so hard to raise you. If you want to be mad at me,