Mr. Villain's Lovely Wife

Lovely wife 216

What Can You Offer

"So... once we get divorced, he's supposed to just marry Cassandra?" Izzy asked after a few minutes. "How certain are you that he would even consider that?"

Olivier didn't even blink. "That is no longer your business."

"Sounds more complicated. I think you are trying to assume that your son is dumb." Azzy set the envelope back on the table and crossed her arms. "What happens if I don't

sign?"

Olivier stepped closer. "You already know that actions have consequences. You should know what will happen if you refuse."

Izzy smiled, not bothering to hide it this time. "Then you can all get out of here. I'm not signing it."

The reaction was immediate. Olivier stiffened slightly, the first crack in his collected appearance. Cassandra and Celeste exchanged a quick look. It was Celeste who moved first, stepping forward,

"Think carefully, Izzy," Celeste said. "You're not winning this. It's better if you step back before you get dragged down with him."

Izzy didn't flinch. She kept her gaze steady on them, saying nothing.

Celeste waited for a beat, but when Izzy didn't speak, she took another step closer.

"Izzy," she said, "women like us are supposed to make sure the men we love are comfortable. That's what strength looks like. Knowing when to step aside."

Izzy didn't move. She remembered having a conversation with Celeste once and already knew the kind of woman she was. Still, hearing her speak like that now almost made Izzy pity her. It made her want to say something, maybe even argue, but she stopped herself. Celeste was an adult. She had made her choice, and Izzy wasn't

about to waste her breath.

Celeste pressed on. "If you really love Liam, you should know this is the best outcome. He gets out before the day even ends. He can be back in the boardroom tomorrow, taking back control before the damage gets worse."

slightly toward the envelope still sitting between them. "This is a win-win. You get to see your beloved doing fine, and he gets a chance

tapped the envelope lightly with one finger but didn't pick

know what they'll do if you stay. You

she looked

where I'm supposed to believe I'm

1/3

What Can Your Offer

"Yes,"

Celeste answered.

The joy of watching him smile on TV while I disappear from the

her eyes shifting between them. Then she added, just casually enough to sound like a passing thought, "Because if that's all there is, I'm not sure the offer's worth

it," Cassandra suddenly butted in. "She's just like

her

love, about not signing because of feelings, but the truth is simple. You don't want to lose access. That's all

at

through attachment. If someone offered you a better name, better money, and

research, Isabella Rossi had always played the long game-her image carefully shaped to look effortless. But Cassandra had seen women like her before. Women who smiled pretty in public and calculated in private. And Isabella had

Horvath.

always conditional.

time she saw Liam. It wasn't in a

at

ago. She had been wearing that dark emerald gown with an open back. Everything was perfect that night. The moment she

he looked untouchable. Calm, dressed in a classic black suit, not trying to impress anyone, just existing with the kind of confidence that didn't need applause. She had never

the moment

She would get him.

at another event. That was until that event a few weeks ago. Just as she thought she would finally have the