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

quick text to Liam. Heading to the

to match the dress, then

climbed into a sleek black car waiting near the alley. The venue was

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 photographers shifted their

wasn’t used to attending high–profile events with this much media coverage, but she managed to stay calm and keep a pleasant smile on her face. Most of the buzz was clearly

around with trays of champagne, and large

had started

her phone. The

approached them from the far side of the room and

said, “welcome. You’re seated

it started yet?” Izzy

finishing a meeting with the project partners. Since he’s the special guest, they’re holding

eyebrow but didn’t comment. She glanced around, clearly recognizing more than a few of the

room.

remembered from Cecil’s articles. Closer to the bar, she noticed a cluster of familiar faces from the corporate world–executives, investors, and even a couple

no sign of Calen.

Or Pamella,

passing tray. She turned toward the

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

gave a small

making her way toward the designated seat Mondo had pointed out,

music played through the speakers, and the guests

about to send another message to Liam.

shift in the crowd’s energy. She looked

front doors. Some stood on their toes, others leaned sideways to get a better look.

“Looks like the special guests are just arriving,” she

nodded and stood up. “Let’s

just before the main entrance where event staff had started

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