Mr. Villain's Lovely Wife

Chapter 174

“So? They really agreed to consider your crazy proposal!” Pamella frowned. She was already a little tipsy from the alcohol she had taken, but Calen’s words about the proposal somehow made her sober.

“Why are you surprised? They are businessmen. It’s only right for them to look at profits. Calen rolled his eyes. She wasn’t some actor or anything. Her reputation outside of business had nothing to do with his ability. He loosened his tie, closing his eyes. He had already told his father about this progress. Now, all he needed was to wait for them to contact him again.

Of course, he had already planned to do a follow–up meeting the very next Monday. He just needed to ensure the board had everything they asked for.

“You’re really going through with this?” Pamella asked. “You’re betting what’s left of your shares on a deal with a company that just showed up out of nowhere?”

Calen opened his eyes. “What are you talking about?”

Pamella leaned back. “I’m saying there’s something off about the Blackwell Group. Even my father thinks so. They’ve stayed in Europe for years. Why are they suddenly so interested in U.S. companies?”

Calen looked at her. “Because they’re expanding. That’s how businesses work.”

She shook her head. “You don’t find it odd? They’ve had years to do this, but they’re just now showing interest in acquiring companies here? Out of the blue?”

“They already have holdings in Asia and India,” Calen said. “Them coming here is expected. They’re legitimate, Pamella. I’ve done the research.”

Pamella didn’t speak for a moment. She watched him, her fingers tapping lightly on the armrest.

“You should look into them again. Properly,” she said. “Before you sign anything. I’m telling you, this feels like a trap. You don’t even know who’s behind them.”

Calen scoffed. “Why are you being paranoid?”

He sat up and looked at her. “Right, I forgot. Scheming is your thing. So now you assume everyone else is scheming too?”

Pamella didn’t respond.

“This is your own doing,” Calen muttered.

Still, she said nothing. Instead, she reached into her bag and pulled something out. She held it out toward him.

Calen frowned and took it. It was a small, dark blue velvet box.

“What is this?” he asked.

“Open it,” Pamella said.

He looked at her briefly, then flipped the lid open.

he asked. Inside was

box from his hand. She pulled the ring out and

marry you,” she

toward her. “What the hell are you

with the Blackwells, you need someone capable behind you.

at her in disbelief.

not a guarantee,” the continued. “If you marry me, it shows stability Support. That could push the deal forward.”

turned to fully face

“You’re insane.”

work out, we get divorced. That’s it. But right now, this might be the

grabbed her by the collar, pulling her toward

you scheming?” he asked.

off, but he grabbed her wrist and pinned it against the door.

you

at his chest,

she

She twisted, trying to elbow him, but

your motive?” he said, holding her

and scratched at

tightened slightly. “You

at his wrist with both hands now, her body shifting as she fought to

“Get off me!”

at her, unmoving, waiting for her to

she hissed. “I only want to

help!”

ugly. But he finally let her go. “You almost ruined this night, and you are telling me that you wanted to help?” Scheming against Izzy was the last thing on Calen’s mind yet this woman… this woman… he didn’t

him while stroking her neck. “Fine. If you don’t want to marry me, then don’t! But don’t blame me if I tell my father about this!”

been with Izzy for years, yet the thought of settling down had never really crossed his mind. But now, with his head clearer, he could see that Pamella had a point. Marrying her could give him and Weiss Inc. a

said, leaning back in his seat. “I’ll talk to my father about the marriage when I

the mood between Liam and Izzy couldn’t have been more different

in hand along the Embarcadero, the lights from the waterfront casting soft reflections on the sidewalk. The air was cool, but not cold. She pulled her coat tighter and

be tired? Why’d you

something.” Liam said as he stopped in front of one of the food stalls near the Ferry Building. The smell of grilled cheese and sweet pastries hung in the air. Without waiting for her, he walked over and

followed, eyeing the stall. “Are you serious?”

a paper tray with two hot, golden beignets dusted with powdered sugar.

stared at it, then looked back at him.