Mr. Villain's Lovely Wife

Chapter 38

Monica froze in disbelief, her fingers gripping the edge of a nearby table as the ernicee’s voice rang out over the audience.

“Ladies and gentlemen, our final participant for the evening, plese welcome Isabella Rossi, heiress of the Rossi Group.”

The crowd erupted into murmurs of excitement as Izzy’s name was announced. Monica’s stomach twisted as she watched Izzy step onto the stage, her every movement poised and delibere. She wore an elegantly simple evening gown that hugged her figure in all the right ways, the material shimmering subtly under the stage lights. The elegance wasn’t ostentatious—it was effortless, infuriatingly so. She even changed clothes? What the hell!?

“What is she doing here?” Arianna muttered next to Monica, her voice dripping with irritation. “She wasn’t even supposed to be part of this. Why does she always have to steal the spotlight?”

Monica didn’t respond, her eyes glued to Izzy. Hatred bubbled inside her as the crowd’s whispers turned to applause. The emcee detailed Izzy’s accomplishments–her role in the Rossi Group and her family’s extensive charity work. Each word felt like a dagger twisting deeper into Monica’s pride. Izzy doesn’t have a fucking role inside Rossi Group! What the hell are they talking about!?

“Of course,” Arianna hissed, crossing her arms. “Miss Perfect Rossi, waltzing in at the last second to outshine everyone. I worked for this moment! What does she even care about at a charity auction? She’s probably donating millions anyway.”

“She’s making a mockery of this,” Monica spat, her jaw clenched She’s not here for the cause. She’s here to humiliate me.” On stage, Izzy stood with a calm smile, her gaze sweeping the crowd like she owned the room. Monica could see the subtle tension in Izzy’s posture, which only made her angrier. Even when nervous, Izzy managed to look flawless.

“And now, we’ll start the bidding at five thousand dollars,” the emcee announced, his voice brimming with enthusiasm. “But this time, we’re changing things up to make it more exciting! Unlike previous events where bidding was anonymous, tonight everyone can bid to their heart’s content using the paddles being handed out by our servers. Don’t be shy–raise your

te high and let the fun begin!” He smiled, gesturing to the staff distributing elegant paddles to the attendees. “And let’s get,” he added warmly. “All proceeds from tonight’s auction will go directly to the wonderful charities organized by

mparable Mrs. Weiss. Let’s make this an unforgettable evening of generosity!”

Immediately, a paddle shot up from the middle of the room. “Five thousand,” the emcee confirmed. “Do I have ten?”

“Ten thousand,” came another bid, this one from a man seated near the front. The murmurs grew louder as paddles started going up across the room.

“Fifteen thousand!” the emcee declared, pointing toward a bidder on the left. “Do I hear twenty?”

“Twenty!” called someone from the back.

Monica’s nails dug into her palm as the numbers climbed higher Izzy stood gracefully on stage, her expression unchanged as the auction gained momentum and every new bid sent a fresh wave of frustration surging through Monica.

“This is ridiculous,” Arianna fumed. “Do these people even care about the charity, or are they just bidding because it’s her?”

“Fifty thousand!” a voice called, silencing the murmurs.

The emcee paused, his face lighting up in astonishment. “Fifty thousand dollars, ladies and gentlemen! All proceeds will, of course, go toward supporting orphanages around the globe.”

in applause, and Monica’s face burned. She couldn’t tell who had placed the bid, but she could feel the shift in the room’s energy. Everyone was watching Izzy now, their admiration tangible. It was as if the auction had turned into a

showing off,” Arianna muttered

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Chapter 38

course she is,” Monica replied. “She always does,”

room, his excitement liarely combined. “Fifty thousand

another voice, cutting

88%1

faltering for a split second. Monica’s heart raced,

emcee grinned. “Fifty–five thousand! Do I

almost immediately.

her neck, her eyes narrowing as she spotted Calen, seated calmly at

another bidder countered, an

“Sixty–five thousand! Ladies and gentlemen, remember, every penny will

without hesitation. “Seventy thousand,” the emcee announced, his voice almost shaking. “Do we

the realization settled in. Calen wasn’t just bidding, he was determined to win. Every ounce of attention she’d

gavel when a commanding voice rang out from the back

“One hundred thousand.”

Heads turned as if choreographed, searching for the source of the bid. Izzy’s skipped a beat as her gaze followed theirs, and there, standing with

an all white suit that almost made him look angelic, Liam stood not too far

he doing here?” she whispered harshly, gripping the edge of the curtain as if it could somehow steady

Izzy a moment to process what had just happened. Liam met her eyes briefly, his expression unreadable but firm. Her mind raced. Why was he bidding? She wanted to ask him what he was doing but she knew it was impossible, so she waited. Surely, he was only trying to make

hundred thousand dollars, ladies

Calen raised his paddle again. “Two hundred

the room rising to a fever pitch. All eyes darted between Liam and

root.

hand shot up to her mouth. “This is insane,” she hissed to Arianna, whose eyes were wide with shock. “Calen’s going to make a

H

just him,” Arianna retorted, glancing nervously toward Lam. “This is about her. She’s drawing everyone in like she

nearly breathless, called out, “Two hundred thousand! Do

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Chapter 38

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