Chapter 37

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“So, the heiress of the Rossi fortune,” Melinda Harrison said with a sly smile, her champagne glass held delicately in her hand. “Calen, you’ve done well for yourself. I didn’t realize you were so persuasive.” She glanced at Mrs. Weiss with a teasing glint in her eye. “Cecil, it seems you’ll have quite the daughter–in–law. When’s the wedding?”

Cecil laughed lightly, her hand resting on Izzy’s arm. “Oh, Melinda, let’s

not get ahead of ourselves. These things take time.”

“Oh, nonsense,” Melinda said, waving her hand. “When I see two people who look as good together as these two do, I can’t help but ask.” She turned her attention to Izzy. “So, my dear, have you set a date yet?”

Izzy smiled politely, glancing at Calen from the corner of her eye. He stood beside her, his hand resting lightly on her back. “Not yet,” she replied. “We’re still… taking things one step at a time”

The women around them exchanged knowing looks, their Laughter soft but pointed.

“You’re playing it smart,” said another woman, Mrs. LeClair, a longtime friend of Cecil. “But don’t wait too long. Weddings are much more fun when everyone’s still young enough to dance the night away.”

“Oh, I don’t think Calen will let things drag on,” Melinda said with a wink. “After all, with the Rossi Group as part of the equation, he’s going to need all the time he can get to prepare himself.”

Calen’s expression barely shifted, but his grip on his champagne glass tightened slightly. “I don’t think preparation will be a problem,” he said smoothly. “But thank you for the concern.”

Izzy glanced up at him, a faint smile playing on her lips. “It’s a lot to take in, I suppose,” she said lightly, her words deflecting the attention away from herself.

Cecil beamed at the interaction, her eyes sparkling as she leaned toward Melinda. “You see? They’re perfect for each other. Izzy will keep him grounded, and Calen has the focus to handle the pressure. It’s a match made in heaven.”

“Better him than me.” Mr. Harrison chimed in. “If you ask me, Calen, you’ve got your work cut out for you. The Rossi Group

no small operation.”

I’m sure he’ll manage.” Izzy said smoothly, her smile not faltering. “Calen’s very capable.”

Her words earned a ripple of laughter from the group, with a few of the older women exchanging amused glances. “Well, I’ll drink to that,” Mrs. LeClair said, raising her glass. “To the happy couple–whenever that may officially happen

Izzy joined the toast, her face still carrying a warm, composed expression, though she could feel the weight of Calen’s gaze on her. For the rest of the conversation, she stayed quietly engaged, her responses perfectly measured. The laughter and light teasing continued, but as the group’s attention shifted elsewhere, she felt Calen lean slightly closer.

“Well handled,” he murmured, his lips barely moving.

didn’t look at him, but a faint smile curved her lips. “I’ve learned from the best.” Her gaze shifted to Monica, who stood not far away, her expression sharp with poorly veiled hostility. Izzy

whatever happened between you

him, meeting his gaze with a challenge. “Or am

face. “Aren’t you blowing

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Chapter 37

softly in response and drained the last of her champagne. “Oops. Your mother’s calling me,” she said. “I should go. The

away, something in her demeanor gnawed at him. This version of Izzy–calm, composed,

but Monica stepped into his

me jealous,” Monica said, her tone low. She could feel a lot of people looking at them but Monica doesn’t

hell are you talking about?”

I just have this

so obvious?” Calen interrupted, his patience wearing

see? She’s bullying me!” Monica protested.

“Izzy hasn’t even spoken to you since

You-

her off. “Be a good little girl, smile, and

opened her mouth, prepared to argue, but Calen beat her to it, “Don’t!” Calen hissed, the look on his eyes immediately shut all the thoughts that

shoulder and nudged her out of his path. Then, without sparing her another glance, he strode past

interrupted Monica’s stupor. “That man

Izzy? I tried to greet her, she didn’t even look at me.” Ariann snorted. “Did she finally eat some guts this morning?”

go home,” Monica said, gripping Arianna’s wrist and pulling her aside. Earlier, she had thought bringing Arianna to the event would work to her advantage. It was meant to create a striking contrast–Monica as

for Izzy to come

about to start..“Arianna said. “Both of us are

are fucking embarrassing yourself. I’ll call

leave?” Ariann hissed. “This place is crawling with rich, divorced men. Do

without

about Liam Horvath?”

eyes. “Besides, I’m just trying

the night is about to start. May I request the ladies who are participating to please proceed backstage? We will begin in two minutes.” A voice

Sat, Jan 4G.

Chapter 37

could respond, Arianna had already grabbed her wrist and started pulling her, toward the backstage area. Irritated, Monica glared at Arianna’s back but knew better than

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