Mr. Villain's Lovely Wife

Chapter 37

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.

expression sharp with poorly veiled hostility. Izzy could feel the daggers in Monica’s stare since her arrival -and she was loving every second of it. With a

between you and Monica-”

none of your business,” Izzy interrupted. Her eyes flicked toward him, meeting his gaze with a challenge. “Or am

flashing across his face. “Aren’t

Sal, Jan 4

Chapter 37

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

away, something in her demeanor gnawed at him. This version of Izzy–calm, composed, yet cutting–was infuriating. She’d changed, and for

started to follow her, but

tone low. She could feel a lot of people

the hell

just have

making things so obvious?” Calen interrupted,

She’s bullying me!” Monica

harsh whisper. “Izzy hasn’t even spoken to you since

You-

girl, smile, and get out of my way. You’re

Calen beat her to it, “Don’t!” Calen hissed, the look on his eyes immediately

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

stupor. “That man was

to Monica’s mood, Arianna asked, “Have you seen Izzy? I tried to greet her, she didn’t even look at me.”

It was meant to create a striking contrast–Monica as the sweet and gentle one, while Arianna played

expected was for Izzy to come and ruin

is about to start..“Arianna said.

yourself. I’ll call a

Ariann hissed. “This place

would leave without catching one

about Liam Horvath?”

here, is he?” Arianna rolled her eyes. “Besides, I’m just trying to

about to start. May I request the ladies who are participating to please proceed

Jan

Chapter 37

started pulling her, toward the backstage area. Irritated,

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