Mr. Villain's Lovely Wife

Chapter 36

“What the hell are you doing here?” Galen’s tone was clipped as he pulled Monica aside, his eyes narrowing in irritation.

“Calen!” Monica’s eyes widened, feigning surprise. T–I thought

“Did you take the invitation from my table?” Calen asked, his jaw tightening. “Monica, why the hell would you-

“Calen, how could you not even greet your own mother?” Cecil’s voice cut through their tense exchange. Calen immediately straightened, his expression shifting to a polite smile as he turned to face her.

“Mom,” he said, releasing Monica’s arm and stepping toward Cecil. “Sorry I was late. Traffic was terrible.”

Cecil’s eyes sparkled with amusement, though her hands rested on her hips. “Terrible traffic or not, you should have called. And you didn’t tell me you gave your secretary an invitation.” She gestured toward Monica, who had repositioned herself beside Calen, her expression carefully neutral. “If I’d known, I would’ve made sure she had her own”

Calen shot a quick glare at Monica, his lips pressing into a thin line. Monica pretended not to notice, clutching her champagne flute as if nothing was amiss.

Cecil, oblivious to the silent exchange, continued cheerfully. “Oh did you know Monica saw Serenity’s performance last year? Such a wonderful event. I didn’t even know you were there, Monica! You got her autograph, didn’t you?”

Monica smiled tightly, nodding, “Yes, I did. It was an unforgettable performance.”

Calen’s expression darkened, though he kept quiet. He remembered that event all too well–it was Izzy who had insisted on attending because both she and Cecil loved Serenity’s music. Monica tagging along was incidental, and now she was twisting it to appear as if she had a personal connection to his mother.

Before he could say anything, Cecil looped her arm through Manica’s and gestured toward the exhibition hall. “Come, I want to show you some of the paintings they’ve brought in. There’s a particular one I think you’ll love.”

den grabbed a glass of champagne from a passing waiter, taking a deliberate sip as he trailed behind them. His annoyance mmered as he watched Monica chat animatedly with his mother, inserting herself into conversations and moments she nad no business being a part of.

Cecil glanced over her shoulder. “Calen, where’s Izzy? I thought he’d be here by now.”

Calen’s grip on his glass tightened, but his expression remained calm. “I can call her,” he said, pulling out his phone. Truthfully, he had no plans to attend tonight’s event because of his upcoming proposal presentation. The only reason he showed up was because his mother had informed him that Izzy would be here. Cecil adored Izzy, and over the years, their bond had grown strong. Letting Izzy attend without him would have been unacceptable in Cecil’s eyes.

across the room. Izzy wasn’t here yet. He frowned slightly. She was not the type to cancel without notice. If she said she would attend, she would follow

of a painting, gesturing for Monica to take a closer

so vibrant.”

pretending to admire the piece. “It’s beautiful, Mrs. Weiss. You

things

fixed on his phone. He sent a quick message to Izzy:

still coming?]

took another sip of champagne and

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Chapter 36

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he took another glass of champagne and downed it in one go. Then, out of

Izzy was

the fabric catching the light as she moved. Her hair was styled in an updo, with a few delicate strands framing her face, and her

in the room seemed to momentarily hush as eyes turned to her. Izzy had that effect, a quiet grace that drew attention without demanding it. Calen, however, didn’t linger on the reactions of the crowd. His focus was solely

one everyone couldn’t help but watch. A strange sense of pride swelled within him. This woman was

started moving toward her, weaving through the elegantly dressed attendees. He noticed her gaze shift toward him, and the faint smile on her lips faltered. Calen smirked inwardly. He expected that reaction. He always had

response, but she didn’t pull away. He leaned in, his face close enough to hers that it almost looked

he said softly, his eyes scanning her face as though

before meeting his eyes. Her expression

finally said, her tone polite but clipped. She shifted slightly, but his arm stayed firmly in place. You’re late,” Calen said, his lips curving into a slight smile that didn’t reach his eyes. “Mother’s been waiting for you.” Izzy glanced past him, her gaze scanning the room as though searching for Cecil. “I didn’t realize I’d have an escort,” she replied, tilting her head slightly toward him.

ignoring the jab. His grip on her waist didn’t falter as he began guiding her through

the room.

a few jealous glances. He didn’t care. This moment wasn’t about them–it was about control, about appearances.

“Smile. They’re watching.”