Mr. Villain's Lovely Wife

Chapter 129

Chapter 129

Monica’s stomach twisted into knots as the recording played. Her breath came in short, uneven borms her hands gripping the fabric of her skirt so tightly that her knuckles turned white. Her pulse pounded in her ears as she listened to her own voice–clear, undeniable.

Her heart dropped.

How?

Cecil assured her that the cameras around the area were not on. She assured her that everything had been prepared in advance. The stage was supposed to be perfect!

This wasn’t possible. She tried to call if there was something weird in Izzy’s bag but couldn’t remember anything She was sure of it. She had checked. They had been careful.

Right?

“This- Samantha shot a look at Monica, her face twisted in disbelief. “That is-

“I’m guessing Cecil has already abandoned you?” Izzy asked casually, tilting her head slightly.

Monica’s jaw clenched. “This is fake.”

Samantha immediately nodded. “It has to be. There’s no way-*

“It’s doctored,” Monica snapped, forcing herself to sit up straighter. She ignored the heat creeping up her neck and the way her hands trembled slightly. “You edited this. That’s not my voice.”

Amalia scoffed. “This is clearly photoshopped.”

Izzy blinked. “Photoshopped?”

Atty. Alcaraz let out a short laugh. “That’s a new one. I’d love to see how you photoshop‘ a video recording”

Monica’s chest tightened. She could feel it—her control slipping, the walls closing in.

Samantha slammed a hand on the table. “Even if this was real, so what? It proves nothing?”

Izzy leaned back, resting her hands on the armrests. “Really? It proves nothing?”

Monica swallowed hard. “It–it doesn’t change anything.”

“Doesn’t it?” Izzy looked amused. “Because I distinctly remember your lawyer saying this case would rely on public sympathy.” She glanced at Ethan. “Tell me, Mr. Sparks, do you think people would still cry for Monica once they hear this?”

Ethan’s jaw tensed. He opened his mouth, but for the first time, nothing came out.

Samantha glared at Izzy. “This doesn’t mean you win.”

you really think this is the only

red with fury. “You think you’re so clever? You think

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Chapter 129

didn’t flinch. “No. I think this

tensed, She felt like screaming, like throwing something,

glanced at Atty. Alcaraz. “What do you think? Should we release this to the public?”

stood. “Yes, I believe you should”

sharply. “We’re not finished. That video was illegally obtained. It won’t hold up in

50%

we were being judged by the people?” Atty. Alcaraz frowned. “The

“That video–we will–subpoena-”

it will be released, Mr. Sparks,” Izzy interrupted him. “I could have done that earlier, but I didn’t. Why do you think that is?”

looked at each other as realization started

the room, looking for someone–anyone–to say something, to

this.

who had been so enthusiastic minutes ago, said a word. Amalia just stared at the table, her lips pressed into a thin line.

rapidly against her phone screen, her mind scrambling for a way out. Monica clenched her fists so tightly that her nails dug into her

Monica felt sick.

a trap.

them up, and they had walked right into it

as she tried to think of a way out, but there was none. Izzy had already won. The recording was just one piece of the puzzle–there was more. There

more.

Atty. Alcaraz. “What do you think will happen to the donations once

“They’ll ask for refunds. Every

stomach twisted. The donations–her lifeline–would disappear in

her hand. “Imagine it. All those generous people who felt sorry for you, who thought they were helping a grieving mother.

on her phone stopped. Her head snapped

when they don’t get

Monica’s hands trembled.

fraud,” Atty. Alcaraz added, almost gleefully. “A scammer. They’ll report your account. Your FundForACause page

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Chapter 129

being a victim,

was

Izzy tapped her phone. “Do you really think I don’t know

Monica stilled.

head slightly. “Calen wanted to get rid of that

blinked. She turned to Monica,

“What?”

her fists. “That