Mr. Villain's Lovely Wife

Chapter 47

Izzy sat calmly, her hands folded neatly on the table as the murmurs of the boardroom quieted. Her expression

was unreadable.

For years, she had chosen to dim her own light, stepping back so Calen could stand at the forefront. It hadn't

been out of obligation-it was love, or so she had convinced herself at the time. She believed in him, in their

shared ambitions, and she had willingly allowed him to take the spotlight..

She had crafted reports, refined proposals, and negotiated deals behind the scenes. She'd spent countless

sleepless nights just for him to be acknowledged by everyone. Each success Calen claimed had her fingerprints

all over it

When the board praised him for his leadership, she had smiled from the shadows, content that her work had

helped him succeed. She told herself their wins were shared, that his triumphis reflected on them both.

But betrayal had a way of rewriting those memories. The trust she’d placed in Calen, the sacrifices she'd made

for him-it all

to change.

felt like a cruel joke now. He hadn't valued her, hadn't seen her. And today, that was a crifices she'd made for

him-it all

CEO Weiss cleared his throat, commanding the room’s attention. “Before we announce the results of the vote, |

want to commend both of you,” he said, his gaze shifting between Calen and Izzy. “This was an exceptionally

close race in terms of the quality of your proposals. Both plans had merit and showcased impressive foresight

and innovation.”

Izzy remained composed, her gaze steady as she watched CEO Weiss. Calen, who was seated across from her,

shifted slightly in his chair, his confidence thinly veiled by a forced air of indifference.

However, CEO Weiss continued, his eyes narrowing slightly. “The board had to make a decision based on what

we believe is best for the future of LX in Macau. Out of fifteen votes, thirteen-including my own-have gone to

one candidate.”

The silence in the room was deafening. Izzy could feel the weight of Calen’s stare, but she refused to look at him.

Instead, she kept her focus on CEO Weiss.

“We are pleased to announce that Miss Isabella Rossi has been chosen to lead The Pearl Resort project.”

A ripple of applause broke the tension. Izzy rose gracefully from her seat, a small, professional smile on her lips

as she extended her hand to CEO Weiss. He shook it firmly, his expression one of approval.

“Congratulations, Miss Rossi,” he said. “Your vision for this project aligns with LX's future.”

“Thank you, CEO Weiss,” Izzy replied. She turned to the board, her smile widening just enough to convey

gratitude. “Thank you all for your trust and support. | look forward to ensuring that The Pearl Resort becomes a

landmark of innovation and cultural respect.

She felt Calen’s gaze burning into her back as she moved to shake hands with several board members. It was a

familiar sensation, that intensity of his when he felt cornered, but she refused to acknowledge it. There was no

satisfaction in his defeat-only the quiet vindication that cfrom reclaiming what was hers.

As the formalities wrapped up, Izzy caught snatches of murmured congratulations from other members of the

board.

“Brilliant work, Miss Rossi.”

“Your proposal was inspiring.”

“You've truly raised the bar for LX"

Izzy accepted their praise with quiet dignity. She had spent so long downplaying her own brilliance for the sake

of someone else’s ego. Today was proof that she never needed to

“Before anything else,” CEO Weiss said, rising from his chair with a smile on his face. “I want to announce that

we will

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celebrate this milestone properly. This weekend, LX will host a jala at The Grand Solstice Hotel, one of our

flagship properties.”

The board members exchanged intrigued glances, snodding in approval.

“The event,” he continued. “Will not only serve to recognize the unch of The Pearl Resort project but also mark

the tenth anniversary of LX’s presence in Macau. It is a celebration of our growth, our resilience, and the people

who made it possible.”

We w

will also take this opportunity to formally recognize our Employee of the Year,” Weiss added. “This honor will go

to someone who has exemplified excellence, innovation, and commitment to 1.X’s values over the past year.”

A round of polite murmurs and nods followed. Izzy kept her gaze steady on Weiss, curiosity flickering beneath

her composed exterior. Events like this required meticulous planning, yet there hadn’t been so much as a

whisper about any preparations. What was the old CEO up to

Of course, there were those who relished moments like this and those, like Calen, who saw them as thinly veiled

opportunities for power plays.

“Attendance is mandatory for all senior staff,” Weiss said, his tone leaving no room for interpretation.” “I expect

each of you to represent LX with the professionalism and pride that defines this company.”

As the CEO concluded, he glanced at Izzy, a faint smile touching his lips. “Miss Rossi, | hope you'll be prepared to

share a few words about your vision for The Pearl Resort at the gala.”

Izzy inclined her head slightly, her expression calm. “Of course, CEO Weiss. It would be my

honor,”

Weiss nodded before turning his attention back to the room. “That's all for today. Miss Rossi, and Mr. Weiss-your

teams will receive detailed instructions for the next steps by the end of the day. You are dismissed.”

Izzy smiled as she walked out of the boardroom. She decided not to overthink the event as she moved down the

corridor toward her office. For sreason, each of her step felt lighter than the last, as if a weight she hadn't

realized she'd been carrying had finally been lifted.

The usual hustle and bustle of the office seemed distant, muffled beneath the quiet satisfaction that hummed

through her For years, she had worked tirelessly, often anonymously, behind the scenes. Today, the

acknowledgment wasn't just hers-it was earned. Every late night, every revision, every negotiation had led to

this moment. The vindication wasn’t just sweet; it was overdue.

As she entered her office, she closed the door softly behind her and allowed herself a moment to breathe. Her

desk was as she'd left it, papers neatly arranged, her laptop still open to the files she'd reviewed that morning.

Izzy moved to the window, looking out over the city, her reflection faint against the glass. She didn’t need to say

it aloud, but one thought echoed inside her head like a tolling bell; | did it.

The buzz of her phone pulled her attention back. She glanced at the device resting on her desk, her fingers

hovering over the screen. Without overthinking, she unlocked it and saw that Liam had sent her a video of a

dancing cat.

Izzy blinked, then chuckled.

What was this man thinking? Who would have guessed that the feared CEO liked to send videos like this? She

snorted and typed out a quick message.

[Free for dinner tonight? Or is ‘Mr. Horvath’ too busy saving the world?]

Her lips curved slightly as she hit send. The response calmost instantly.

[For you, Mrs. Horvath? Always. Pick the place, and I'll be there,

Izzy rolled her eyes, her finger hovering over the screen. His usual smugness was almost annoying-but only

almost. She bit

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Sat, Jan

Chapter 47

back a laugh as she typed her reply.

I'll let you know. Don't be late.]

His answer was immediate.

[Never am.]

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Meanwhile, Calen stared at his father, his expression guarded. “So. Izzy didn’t tell you she wantedto lead

this project?” he asked, annoyed. He expected Izzy to make the speech after they announced her as the winner.

Yet the woman just left without even acknowledging his presence.

Mr. Weiss raised an eyebrow. “Why would she? She's been spearheading it from the beginning. She's put in the

work.”

Calen snorted. “She always letslead. Why change that now? Father, don’t you think this is overkill? She's

working under me. | don’t understand why you would-"

“It wasn’t my call,” Mr. Weiss interrupted, leaning back in his chair. “The board made the decision, Calen. After

reviewing your last proposal, they felt you weren't ready to take the lead on something this critical”

Calen opened his mouth to protest, but his father cut him off.

“Instead of wasting tcomplaining to me, why don’t you go and speak to Izzy directly?” Mr. Weiss gestured

toward the door with a hint of impatience. “I have a meeting in five minutes, and I'm not going to sit here and

argue with you.”

Calen’s jaw tightened, but he said nothing as he turned on his heel and walked out of the office.