Mr. Villain's Lovely Wife (Izzy)

"Are you sure you are coming?" Izzy asked as she fixed Liam's tie "I mean.. that is the celebration of your rival company. How could you come after they invited you?"

"They invited me, remember? Liam answered, smirking. “Howould I not come? Wouldn't that mean that I am looking down on my rival?"

Izzy sighed inwardly. She didn't know what the CEO was thinking about inviting Liam. Was it because he wanted to boast? Liam's company had been a direct rival of Weiss Inc. Both companies had made attempts to branch out internationally, and that was the reason why they often clashed. Izzy couldn't help but wonder if this last-minute invite was because of what happened the other day.

Liam punched Calen. While there were no talks about a lawsuit, Izzy was certain that the Weiss family wouldn't just let thisnoveldrama

"Besides, I don't want to miss anything"

Izzy lifted an eyebrow. "Miss anything? What do you mean?"

"Who knows what Calen would come up with after that.. encounter?" he asked

Izzy frowned but said nothing. She had always known Calen had the tendency to act like that when drunk. Isn't that the reason why she asked him to stop drinking at any events in the past? She pursed her lips and turned towards the mirror inside the room.

Izzy smoothed the fabric of her dress as she gave herself a final once-over in the mirror. The red dress hugged her curves perfectly, with its sleek design and off- shoulder neckline giving her a poised and commanding look. A pair of silver earrings dangled elegantly, catching the light each time she moved. She adjusted her bracelet and stepped back to take in the whole picture. Satisfied, she nodded, grabbed her clutch, and turned toward her phone buzzing on the counter.

The name on the screen made her pause. Cecil.

Izzy hesitated, her fingers hovering over the phone. Cecil had been calling repeatedly since the incident with Calen. She'd answered once, only to hear Cecil apologizing profusely for her son's behavior. Izzy had brushed it off at the time, not wanting to linger on the details, Cecil had also asked her to attend today's event, but Izzy hadn't committed to anything.

She glanced at Liam, who signaled her that he would go outsiderst. She nodded. Then the phone buzzed again. This time, she answered.

“Hello?” she said, keeping her tone neutral as she reached for her purse and checked it for essentials.

"Izzy!" Cecil exclaimed. "I'm so glad you answered. Where are you? Are you still in your flat?"

Izzy glanced at the time. "Tm just finishing up. I'll be heading our soon

"Oh, good," Cecil said. "I was hoping you'd come. It wouldn't feel right without you there. After all, the event was for you."

Izzy pressed her lips together, debating how to respond. "I wasn't sure if I'd make it, but Liam thought it'd be a good idea for us to attend."

There was a pause. “Liam? He's corning with you?"

"Yes. He's been invited. Mr. Weiss sent his secretary to give the invite to Liam. He called me and asked about the event before deciding to come Izzy adjusted her clutch.

"That's good." Cecil said, though there was a noticeable pause before she continued. "I was going to ask-Calen is free tonight. He can escort you if you want

't think that's a good idea." Izzy replied, glancing at the mirror one last time. "Liam and I already made plans."

Cecil was quiet for a moment before saying, "Izzy, are you still upset with him? About what happened?

Izzy's grip on her clutch tightened. "Cecil, it's not that. I just think it's better if we avoid awkward situations tonight. It's a company event."

"I understand," Cecil said quickly. "But I just want you to know that Calen didn't mean it. He has been apologetic and inconsolable since. He was drunk, and... well, you know how he gets sometimes. He didn't know what he was doing."

Sometimes? Izzy frowned. Calen couldn't take too much alcohol, and even Cecil knew this. Izzy drew a deep breath, keeping her tone even. "I understand he wasn't in the right state of mind, but that doesn't excuse his behavior. I think some distance

is better for now."

Cecil let out a soft sigh. "He's just been under so much pressure lately. Between work and... everything else, he's been struggling. He didn't mean to take it out on you.

"I know... Izzy didn't continue right away, carefully choosing her words. "I

appreciate you saying that, but this isn't something I can just overlook."

"Of course," Cecil said. "I just thought-well, never mind. I'm glad you're coming.

It'll mean a lot to everyone, especially me."

Izzy glanced at her watch. "I need to head out now. I'll see you there."

"Yes, of course," Cecil said. "Thank you, Izzy. And... if you change your mind about Calen-

"I'll see you later, Cecil," Izzy interrupted politely, ending the call before slipping her phone into her purse.

She adjusted her dress one last time, squared her shoulders, and walked out to join Liam. The night was just beginning.

"Ready?" Liam asked.

She nodded.

"You seem awfully quiet," Liam said as he held his hand toward her. She accepted it without having second thoughts.

"Cecil called."

He lifted an eyebrow. "You know.. I should probably thank her. Because of that event, I was able to go inside the building and save you from her alcoholic son."

Izzy looked at him. If this was a few months back, she would start arguing with him the moment he called Calen an alcoholic. But this time, she kept her mouth shut. "I know," she said.

"Did she say anything?"

Izzy shook her head. There was no point in telling him her thoughts about Cecil. Soon, she would breakup with Calen. "Shall we go now?" she asked

"Of course," Liam said, smirking. It was as if he already knew what happened. Soon enough, the two arrived at the Grand Hall where the company event was going to happen.

Izzy

Izzy frowned when she heard the familiar voice. She turned and found Monica at the door, waiting for her. "Mr. Horvath Monica continued as she gave a slight bow toward Liam. Then she turned her attention toward Izzy. "Can we talk?" Again, she glanced at Liam. "In private?"

Izzy looked at Liam. Tll be fine. Please go ahead." For a few seconds, Liam stared at her before he nodded and walked away.

surprise, however, Liam didn't actually go inside the building. Instead, he kept his distance, making sure that he was far enough to avoid being overheard but near enough in case Monica tried to do something.

"Do you need anything?" Izzy asked.

"You haven't been answering anyone's calls," Monica said. "Mom has been very stressed."

"Is this because of the money?" Izzy asked

"Money?" Monica looked at her with disbelief. "Is this why you have been keeping your distance? Because of your money?" Monica snorted. "Don't tell me that lawyer has finally gotten to you, Izzy. Did she finally convince you that we are after whatever you will receive from your grandfather?"

How believable, Izzy thought inwardly. If she hadn't heard the two talk about her, she might have believed Monica. Izzy said nothing as she observed her cousin.

"Izzy," Monica sighed. "Look, we have been living inside one house together for years. You know us well. Mom naturally worries about you. She raised you as she raised me. We were like sisters, and she was like your mother. Do you really think that if she or we were after your money, we wouldn't have tried to convince you a long time ago to transfer some properties

Izzy said nothing again. Indeed, that sounded like logical reasoning. However, she saw what she saw. She heard what she heard. Moreover, the reason why she hadn't been able to do this was because of her grandfather's foolproof will "Is this the reason why you wanted to talk?" Izzy asked. "To tell me things I already know?"

Monica's expression turned ugly. "Don't take it the wrong way. I simply want to remind you. Whatever Mom took from your account... I believe she genuinely deserved it. After all, she wasted her precious years just raising you. How could you embarrass her and then suddenly cut her off like that? Don't you care about all the years she spent raising you?"

"So, you. Izzy couldn't help but smile. Then she continued. "Sqyou think I should repay her because she chose to raise me?"

"I-I didn't say that. All I'm saying is that you should at least answer her calls. She's been stressing about this matter. I don't want her to get sick. You know how weak she is." Monica studied zzy for a bit. The Izzy she knew was stubborn, but she always caved in the moment she started talking about how Amalia took care of her when she was younger.

"Look. I know I wronged you by telling Calen what you told me. However... you have to understand. Calen is my boss. Do you want me to lose my job?" Monica said. "I was only doing what I thought was right. I know you're smart enough to understand this. You know I'm not smart, and the only reason I was able to get this job was because of you. Without it, I'd really have to rely on you and your wealth. You of all people should understand this, right Iz? I just want to keep my job."

Once again, Izzy remained silent. At this point, she was almost eager to see just how far Monica and Amalia would go in their relentless pursuit of her inheritance.

Put

a frustrated sigh. "I know you're upset with me for what I did, but.. how can you do this Seeing Izzy's silence, Monica to my mother? Tell me, Izzy, do you really want to break her heart!? Do you really want to hurt the people who cared about you the most over what? A hundred-thousand-dollar bag? Isn't dat just pocket change to you? Isn't that something that your properties earn in a day or

so?"