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.

up, Izzy caught snatches of murmured congratulations from other members of the

work, Miss

proposal was

truly raised the bar for

praise with quiet dignity. She had spent so long downplaying her own brilliance for the sake of someone else’s ego. Today was proof that she never

from his chair with a smile on his face.

1/3

“hapter 47

properly. This weekend, LX will host a jala at The Grand Solstice Hotel, one of

members exchanged intrigued glances, some nodding

he continued. “Will not only serve to recognize the unch of The Pearl Resort project but also mark the tenth anniversary of LX’s presence in Macau. It is a celebration of our growth, our resilience, and the people who made

We w

recognize our Employee of the Year,” Weiss added. “This honor will go to someone who has exemplified excellence, innovation, and commitment to 1.X’s values over the past year.”

composed exterior. Events like this required meticulous planning, yet there

and those, like Calen, who saw them as thinly veiled opportunities

no room for interpretation.” “I expect each of

faint smile touching his lips. “Miss Rossi, I hope you’ll be

calm. “Of course, CEO Weiss. It would

honor,”

for today. Miss Rossi, and Mr. Weiss–your teams will receive detailed instructions for the next steps by the

overthink the event as she moved down 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 had finally been

the scenes. Today, the acknowledgment wasn’t just hers–it was earned. Every late night, every revision, every negotiation had led to this moment. The vindication wasn’t just sweet; it

she entered her office, she closed the door softly behind 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. She didn’t need to say it aloud, but one thought echoed

her fingers hovering over the screen. Without overthinking, she unlocked it and saw that Liam had sent her

blinked, then chuckled.

CEO liked to send videos like

is ‘Mr. Horvath‘

she hit send. The response came almost

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