Mr. Villain's Lovely Wife

Chapter 35

“Alright, I think we’re all set here.” Izzy closed the research file her team had just handed her. The crisp sound of the folder snapping shut echoed in the boardroom. “I believe we’re ready for the presentation.”

Anna stepped forward swiftly, taking the folder from the table with her usual efficiency. She hovered behind Izzy.

“May I know what we’re going to do next?” Sherry asked, her curiosity evident. “I mean, the presentation’s on Friday, and it’s still Tuesday, so…”

Izzy gave her a reassuring smile. “Anna and I will handle the rest from here. Thank you for your hard work. As always, your research is impeccable.” She nodded toward the door. “You can head back now. I will ask Anna to call you once she needed something done.”

With that, Izzy rose, her heels clicking against the polished floor as she left the boardroom. Anna followed a step behind, her arms laden with files. They walked through the corridor, past–the quiet hum of office chatter, and back to Izzy’s office.

“Get me some coffee, please,” Izzy said, pinching the bridge of her nose as she sat down. Fatigue had been weighing on her. Sharing a bed with Liam was a restless endeavor she hadn’t yet adjusted to. Sadly, she has to do this until the renovation on Liam’s house is done. Add the revisions she’d had to make to the presentation, and it was no wonder she was running on fumes.

Anna nodded and disappeared, leaving Izzy alone with her laptop. She opened the device, scrolling through the reports she needed to review. Then she glanced at the files that needed her signiture. A sighed escaped her lips.

Asharp knock and the aroma of freshly brewed coffee interrupted her stupor.

“Thanks,” Izzy said, taking the cup.

“Uh… there’s also this,” Anna said hesitantly, placing a brightly decorated lunch box on the table. “The guard-”

“Yeah, I know,” Izzy interrupted, her eyes falling on the box. It was cute, excessively so, with little patterns on the lid that screamed Liam’s meddling. “Thanks, Anna. Just leave it here. Go have your lunch.”

Anna nodded and left, leaving Izzy to glance at the clock. It was already one in the afternoon. She let out a sigh, realizing how easy it was for her to lose track of time and, consequently, meals. Picking up her phone, she sent a quick text to Liam:

for the lunch.]

see her favorite dishes carefully arranged inside. The sight made her stomach grumble, and she shook her head at

sent another message:

name of your chef. The food is

mother. Izzy’s brows knitted in surprise

I missed you. Do you have time for dinner later?” Cecil’s voice was as warm as ever, though tinged with urgency. “Later?” Izzy frowned. Cecil Weiss was a New York socialite turned San Francisco staple after marrying Calen’s father. She was nothing if not precise about

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Jan

Chapter 35

about you and thought you were abroad. And, to make matters worse, Calen didn’t even tell me you were back! I didn’t send you an invitation because I thought you were still out of the country. Can you imagine that man? I’ve been pestering

her eyes slightly, her thoughts flickering to Calen Their relationship was strained enough without Cecil pulling her into these unexpected social maneuvers. Still, her connection with Cecil had always been cordial, even bordering. on friendly. The older woman had a way

was right, the older woman was aware that she was a member of the once–illustrious Rossi family, which had moved from Italy decades ago. The invites weren’t exactly because she wanted to know Izzy better. It was because of Izzy’s last name. However, Izzy had no reason to decline the older woman invitation.

wanted to know if Calen had told Cecil about their current ‘disagreements.’ “Send

Alphie will send you the details

up. See

attention back to her lunch. The delicate flavors of

she had assumed would be a casual dinner was, in

Anna to cancel the rest of her meetings as

swept over the opulent surroundings. The chandeliers glittered above them, casting a soft glow over the crowd of elegantly dressed

look fine.” She held back a laugh, noticing Arianna’s fidgeting. “Calen handed me the invite, but I didn’t think it would be this grand either.” Of course, Monica didn’t bother mentioning that

room was a sea of luxury. Men in sharp tuxedos and women in flowing evening gowns moved gracefully, champagne glasses in hand. Arianna’s short cocktail dress was striking, but in the wrong way–it screamed nightclub rather than gala. Monica, on the other hand,

you think Liam Horvath will be here?” Arianna whispered, her eyes