Mr. Villain's Lovely Wife

Chapter 26

“Well, what was that?” Amalia asked, her eyebrow lifted. “You do understand that you are making him hate Izzy, right?”

“I know.” Monica rolled her eyes as she got up. Calen had just left their house, and she didn’t see any reason to act anymore. She straightened her back and let out a sigh. “I don’t know what’s going on with Izzy, but she’s off.”

“Then what you said earlier…” Amalia frowned.

“Of course, it wasn’t true. Izzy has no ambition. If she had, she wouldn’t let other people run her grandfather’s company. She would run it herself. Do you have anything I could eat? I’m hungry.” She got up and started walking toward the kitchen. When her mother texted her, she forgot to eat something, thinking Amalia was in a dangerous situation. It turns out it’s just because of Izzy.

“Aren’t you worried about the credit cards?” Amalia asked.

“Izzy has been with us for years. We are the only family that she has. What can she do?” Monica snorted. “Besides, she was only throwing a tantrum because Calen forgot their anniversary. I mean… who could blame him? She chose to travel on that day too. It’s not his fault, he was having so much fun that day, right?” Seeing there was no leftover food she could eat, she grabbed an apple and started munching it. “She’s going to come back soon.”

“Are you sure?” Amalia had an ugly look on her face. “You know she’s turning twenty–six soon. I mean-”

“Mom, did you really think Izzy’s going to abandon us?” Monica asked. “She’s too dependent on you. She might be like that, but she always knew you sacrificed a lot to raise her. And for her twenty–sixth birthday, you can plan it on your own. Since when did you need her input on things like this?”

“But my

cards-”

“Then use the money for the house. The trust automatically sends you enough for the house, right? Use it for now, I’m sure Izzy wouldn’t mind.” Monica took another bite of her apple.

Meanwhile, Izzy stood near the window, holding her glass of wine against her chest as she looked out at the San Francisco skyline. The city lights spread out below her, twinkling and alive a sea of movement that only made her feel more isolated From Liam’s flat, the view was breathtaking–the city’s iconic buildings rose like sleek, shining pillars against the deepening night, stretching toward the Golden Gate Bridge, barely visible in the fog. She’d always admired this view, though tonight it felt cold.

“You’re an idiot, you know that?” Liam’s voice came from behind her, low but cutting. “You never thought to check your credit scores? Really?”

Izzy didn’t turn, her gaze fixed on the distant lights. She was tired, and the last thing she wanted was another reminder of how blind she’d been.

“Honestly,” he continued, walking closer, “it should have been obvious. Did you think your aunt wouldn’t go so far as to take out credit cards and loans in your name?” He stopped a few feet away, watching her reaction.

Izzy took a long sip of her wine, finally turning her head to glance at him, her expression guarded. She didn’t answer.

sigh. “Look, if you want my help, say the word. I’d do it in a heartbeat.” He paused, a flicker of something unreadable

slight shake of her head. “Why are you home so early?” she

“I’m never too busy for my wife, Izzy.” He moved closer, his eyes narrowing slightly

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Chapter 26

her, searching

gaze back to the city lights. “I don’t need a lecture.” The sympathy in his eyes grated on her nerves. Was he pitying her? Looking at her like she was foolish? When he remained silent, Izzy finally turned to face him. “Do you need more wine?” she

want to fight him. Tonight,

her way to the kitchen where Liam kept a well- stocked bar. The bar was a polished wooden cabinet, sleck and minimalistic, with rows of fine bottles and glassware

on the highest shelf. She stretched, reaching up on her tiptoes, fingers brushing the bottle, just barely out of her grasp. She stretched a little further, determination

startled, glancing over her shoulder to find Liam directly behind her, his face closer than she’d expected. She hadn’t

you couldn’t reach it,” he said,

start to fall backward. Before she could react, his arm wrapped around her

ask for help.” Izzy wanted to slap herself. Why was her mouth always quicker than

didn’t release her, his gaze holding hers. He raised an eyebrow as if daring

quicken, irritation and something else stirring in her chest. “Just hand me the wine,” she

just out of reach, a

narrowed her eyes. “And you’re always this

with that same look. Then, with deliberate slowness, he placed the wine bottle on the counter next

nothing.” She grabbed the bottle, twisting the corkscrew into it without

a lazy, knowing grin. “You know, you’re still the same little kid who’d argue about anything. Haven’t changed

mid–turn on the corkscrew. “Excuse me? I’m not argumentative. And I don’t even talk to

from the girl who once spent an entire afternoon insisting the sun

And it wasn’t purple–it was a

raised an eyebrow. “Sure, but I wasn’t talking about just that. Remember how you’d claim there was an end to the rainbow and that you’d seen it? Swore up

face flushed slightly, and she yanked out the cork with a little more force than necessary. “I was five,” she muttered, pouring herself another glass. “Kids believe all