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.

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

between you

your business,” Izzy interrupted. Her eyes flicked toward him, meeting his

face. “Aren’t you blowing this out of proportion?” he

Sal, Jan 4

Chapter 37

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

her demeanor gnawed at him. This version of Izzy–calm, composed, yet cutting–was infuriating. She’d changed, and for the life of him, he couldn’t

but Monica stepped into his path.

jealous,” Monica said, her tone low. She could feel a lot of people looking at them but

“What the hell are you

know. I just have

you doing!? Why are you making things so obvious?” Calen interrupted, his patience

you see? She’s

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

You-

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

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

out of his path. Then, without sparing her another glance, he strode past her, determined

voice interrupted Monica’s stupor. “That man was

“Have you seen Izzy? I tried

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 the sweet and gentle one, while Arianna played the wild and unpredictable opposite. The plan was simple: the stark difference would immediately highlight

for Izzy to

start..“Arianna said. “Both of

fucking embarrassing yourself.

you think I would waste this opportunity and leave?” Ariann hissed. “This place is crawling with

leave without

Liam

eyes. “Besides, I’m just trying to have

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

Jan 4G.

Chapter 37

her, toward the backstage area. Irritated, Monica glared

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