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 go

to Liam. Heading to the venue with Cindy. Will see you

small clutch to match the

car waiting near the alley. The venue

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 attention toward her, snapping pictures of them together.

She wasn’t used to attending high–profile events with this much media coverage, but she managed to stay calm and keep

moved around with trays of champagne, and large floral arrangements marked

had started yet.

The event should’ve begun thirty minutes ago.

approached them from the far side of the room

said, “welcome. You’re seated in the VIP section.”

it started yet?”

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

glanced around, clearly recognizing more than a

room.

articles. Closer to the bar, she noticed a cluster of familiar faces from the corporate world–executives, investors, and even a couple of founders she had seen at

was no sign

Or Pamella,

the VIP section Mondo had indicated. Before she could step

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

gave a small

the designated seat Mondo had pointed out, and

music played through the speakers, and the guests continued chatting in small groups, sipping–champagne

phone in hand, about to send another

it–murmurs, a slight shift in the

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

hand. “Looks like the special guests

stood up.

their way toward the growing crowd, stopping just before the main

of