Mr. Villain's Lovely Wife

Chapter 196

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“It’s Cassandra Sarano and him, having coffee…” Maria said. “I know I shouldn’t get involved in something like this, but the- the one behind Miss Cassandra is someone–or at least the son of someone who used to work with your grandfather. If you want me to investigate something-”

“It’s fine,” Izzy said. She zoomed in on the photos again, her finger pinching the screen tighter. “Damn it,” she muttered under her breath.

The image was blurry. The angle was too low, and the light behind the window ruined the outline of their faces. Even she had to admit, it could’ve been someone else entirely. The posture was familiar, and the jacket was similar–but the face? It’s not clear at all. And Cassandra? That could’ve been any brunette with sharp cheekbones.

Still, seeing that headline and Liam beside another woman, blurry or not, made her irritated.

She exhaled slowly, then repeated, “Ignore it, Maria. It’s nothing.”

There was silence on the other end before Maria asked, “Did you two fight?”

Izzy didn’t answer right away. She tapped the screen of her tablet and then locked it. “I have something to do,” she said.

Without another word, she ended the call and set the tablet down.

She leaned back in her chair, staring at the ceiling. She knew this was all part of the plan–keep things looking distant, make their enemies think she and Liam were drifting apart. The whole thing was a show. But that didn’t make it easier.

Her jaw tightened. She couldn’t afford to let her emotions get in the way. Not now.

She had to focus. She needed to know exactly who was on her side and who was just pretending. No more assumptions. No more giving people the benefit of the doubt.

If she wanted to survive this, she needed to know her enemies–and that meant trusting no one.

With that, she got up and went into the car where Anna had been waiting. The two then drove towards the venue of the engagement party.

The car pulled up to the venue’s entrance. Flashbulbs popped in the distance, though none were aimed at her. Not yet.

Conversations paused. Eyes scanned her outfit, her expression, her alone arrival. Many must be wondering why Isabella Rossi- Calen’s

She smiled.

slowly, deliberately, offering a polite nod to a few familiar faces. Some nodded back. Others just stared. Yet,

it to her assigned seat, a hand lightly grabbed her arm.

Cecil Weiss.

“Izzy,” she said.

Her skin is paler. The dark circles under her eyes were lightly masked by makeup, but the signs were there. The toll of an FBI investigation wasn’t easy

gave her a once–over and smiled. “You look well. For

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Chapter 196

are you here?” she asked,

her coat sleeve

move. “Stop that

head. “Is it? I thought it

not welcome

*89%

an invitation,” Izzy said. “I don’t sneak into parties. That’s not my style. You think

tightened. Her grip on Izzy’s arm remained

to leave,” Cecil

smiled again. “Or what? You’ll add another complaint to your already growing file? Don’t tell me you are going to

no idea what I’m capable

slightly. “That’s the problem, isn’t it? You’re capable of a lot… but unfortunately, you’ve already used most

clutch, and her heels didn’t make a sound on the marble floor. Even now, when she clearly

call security? Have me escorted

me,” Cecil said. “But it won’t work.”

back just enough to force Cecil to drop her hand. “You should be more careful with your threats.

stayed, but her