Mr. Villain's Lovely Wife

Chapter 185

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“Well, I didn’t think it would be this beautiful,” Izzy smiled as she looked at her appearance in the mirror. The black dress suited her, and not because of her body type but because of her pale skin.

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The black dress hugged Izzy’s frame in all the right places. The fabric, a matte silk blend, clung smoothly over her hips and dipped slightly at the back, revealing just enough skin to make the design elegant rather than loud.

A single slit ran up her left leg, stopping just above the knee. The neckline was clean, structured, and minimal–no embellishments, no glitter. Just pure tailoring. The contrast against her pale skin made the dress stand out even more.

She studied herself in the mirror for a moment longer.

Too bad Liam’s late, she thought. He had called earlier, sounding genuinely apologetic. Something about a last–minute investor call. He promised to catch up as soon as possible.

“Sorry, I didn’t mean to say it like that,” Izzy said when she realized that Cindy was staring at her. Cindy had been really quiet when she helped her with the dress, which Izzy appreciated as well.

“No, it’s fine. The dress looks even more beautiful on you,” Cindy said.

“Too bad Liam’s late,” Izzy couldn’t help but voice her thoughts.

Behind her, Cindy leaned against the wall, arms loosely crossed. “You could come with me, if you want,” she said. “You can’t just sit here all night in a dress like that.”

Izzy turned and met her gaze. “Thanks. But I’d rather wait for Liam.”

Cindy stepped forward, adjusted a stray strand of Izzy’s hair, and took a step back to assess her. “It’s a pity if no one sees this. It fits you better than I imagined.”

Izzy glanced at her reflection again before speaking. “Why are you being so accommodating?“Cindy already offended a well known actress. Now, she wanted Izzy to accompany her to the veneu. Izzy couldn’t help but think that something else is going on. Did Liam overpaid Cindy? “I doubt it’s just because Liam paid for the dress.”

Cindy blinked, then straightened. “Well… he was the first to invest in my early collections. Not just buying dresses or anything like that–he funded the production. I wouldn’t have made it through my first two shows without him. And you’re the first woman he’s ever brought to an event like this. So… yes, I may have given you a little extra care. It felt right.”

Izzy was quiet for a second, absorbing that. Then it clicked, She remembered Z’s being listed as one of the subsidiaries under Horvath Industries. Liam’s portfolio must have reached further than she realized.

“Alright. I’ll

a quick text to Liam. Heading to the

handed her a small clutch to match the dress, then grabbed her own things.

waiting near the

entrance, where photographers were already gathered along the red carpet. As soon as Cindy stepped out, flashes began to go off. Cameras clicked rapidly, calling out her name. When Izzy followed behind her, a few of the

with this much media coverage, but she managed to stay calm

with ambient lighting, and filled with the soft hum of conversation. Waitstaff moved around with trays of champagne, and large floral arrangements marked the entrance of the main hall. But there was one thing that

had started yet.

phone. The event should’ve begun thirty

of the room

You’re seated in the VIP section.”

hasn’t it started yet?” Izzy asked.

low. “There’s a minor issue with the launch presentation. Mr. Horvath is still finishing a meeting with the project partners.

but didn’t comment. She glanced around, clearly

room.

the bar, she noticed a cluster of familiar faces from the corporate world–executives, investors, and even a

was no sign

Or Pamella,

of champagne from a passing tray. She turned toward the VIP section Mondo had indicated. Before she could step forward, Cindy paused beside her.

said. “I believe I am seated not too far away from you and Mr. Horvath. I’ll see you later,”

a small nod.

the designated seat Mondo had

remained calm, almost too polished. Soft instrumental music played through the speakers, and the guests continued chatting in small groups, sipping–champagne and glancing occasionally

sat quietly, phone in hand, about

heard it–murmurs, a slight shift in the crowd’s energy. She

Some stood on their toes, others leaned sideways to get a better look. Phones were out. Cameras, too.

glass in hand. “Looks

nodded and stood up. “Let’s take

toward the growing crowd, stopping just before the main entrance where event staff had

outside the venue, Liam sat in the backseat of his car, one