Mr. Villain's Lovely Wife

Chapter 47

Izzy sat calmly, her hands folded neatly on the table as the murmurs of the boardroom quieted. Her expression was unreadable.

For years, she had chosen to dim her own light, stepping back so Calen could stand at the forefront. It hadn’t been out of obligation–it was love, or so she had convinced herself at the time. She believed in him, in their shared ambitions, and she had willingly allowed him to take the spotlight..

She had crafted reports, refined proposals, and negotiated deals behind the scenes. She’d spent countless sleepless nights just for him to be acknowledged by everyone. Each success Calen claimed had her fingerprints all over it

When the board praised him for his leadership, she had smiled from the shadows, content that her work had helped him succeed. She told herself their wins were shared, that his triumphis reflected on them both.

But betrayal had a way of rewriting those memories. The trust she’d placed in Calen, the sacrifices she’d made for him–it all

to change.

felt like a cruel joke now. He hadn’t valued her, hadn’t seen her. And today, that was a crifices she’d made for him–it all

CEO Weiss cleared his throat, commanding the room’s attention. “Before we announce the results of the vote, I want to commend both of you,” he said, his gaze shifting between Calen and Izzy. “This was an exceptionally close race in terms of the quality of your proposals. Both plans had merit and showcased impressive foresight and innovation.”

Izzy remained composed, her gaze steady as she watched CEO Weiss. Calen, who was seated across from her, shifted slightly in his chair, his confidence thinly veiled by a forced air of indifference.

However, CEO Weiss continued, his eyes narrowing slightly. “The board had to make a decision based on what we believe is best for the future of LX in Macau. Out of fifteen votes, thirteen–including my own–have gone to one candidate.”

The silence in the room was deafening. Izzy could feel the weight of Calen’s stare, but she refused to look at him. Instead, she kept her focus on CEO Weiss.

“We are pleased to announce that Miss Isabella Rossi has been chosen to lead The Pearl Resort project.”

A ripple of applause broke the tension. Izzy rose gracefully from her seat, a small, professional smile on her lips as she extended her hand to CEO Weiss. He shook it firmly, his expression one of approval.

“Congratulations, Miss Rossi,” he said. “Your vision for this project aligns with LX’s future.”

“Thank you, CEO Weiss,” Izzy replied. She turned to the board, her smile widening just enough to convey gratitude. “Thank you all for your trust and support. I look forward to ensuring that The Pearl Resort becomes a landmark of innovation and cultural respect.

She felt Calen’s gaze burning into her back as she moved to shake hands with several board members. It was a familiar sensation, that intensity of his when he felt cornered, but she refused to acknowledge it. There was no satisfaction in his defeat–only the quiet vindication that came from reclaiming what was hers.

wrapped up, Izzy caught snatches of murmured congratulations from

work, Miss Rossi.”

proposal was

raised the

so long downplaying her own brilliance for the sake of someone else’s ego. Today was proof

anything else,” CEO Weiss said, rising from his chair with a smile on his face. “I want to announce that

1/3

“hapter 47

host a jala at The Grand

board members exchanged intrigued glances, some nodding in approval.

anniversary of LX’s presence in Macau. It is a celebration of our growth, our resilience, and the

We w

this opportunity to formally recognize our Employee of the Year,” Weiss added. “This honor will go to someone

curiosity flickering beneath her composed exterior. Events like this required meticulous planning,

those who relished moments like this and those, like Calen, who saw them as thinly veiled opportunities for

no room for interpretation.” “I expect each of you to represent LX with the professionalism and pride that

his lips. “Miss Rossi, I hope you’ll be prepared to share

expression calm. “Of course, CEO Weiss. It

honor,”

Weiss–your teams will receive detailed instructions for the next steps by the end of

the corridor toward her office. For some reason, each of her step felt lighter than the last, as if a weight she hadn’t realized she’d been carrying

years, she had worked tirelessly, often anonymously, behind the scenes. Today, the acknowledgment wasn’t just hers–it was earned. Every late night, every

her and allowed herself a moment to breathe. Her desk was as she’d left it, papers neatly arranged, her laptop still open to the files she’d reviewed that morning. Izzy moved to the window, looking out over the city, her reflection faint against the glass.

buzz of her phone pulled her attention back. She glanced at the device resting on her desk, her fingers hovering over the screen. Without

then chuckled.

the feared CEO liked to send videos

is ‘Mr.

slightly as she hit send.

Horvath? Always. Pick the place, and I’ll be there,