Mr. Villain's Lovely Wife

Chapter 18
“Thank you for listening to the presentation. You may ask your questions now,” Izzy stood confidently at the front of the
boardroom, her gaze sweeping over the team gathered around the polished mahogany table.
The PowerPoint on the screen behind her displayed the Pearl Peject’s core objectives in Macau. She had spent months crafting
this proposal, and every detail had been tailored not only to meet LX Hotel Chains‘ under Weiss Inc. standards but also to satisfy
Macau’s strict regulations.
“Again, to make the Pearl Project a success,” she began, clicking the next slide. “We need to focus on integrating cultural
elements and meeting the regulatory requirements outlined by Macau’s tourism board.” She highlighted key elements of the
proposed Macau Cultural Center, a unique addition that would differentiate the Pearl Resort from typical casinos, bringing in
high–net–worth travelers interested in more than g–bling
But before she could continue, Calen leaned forward, interrupting, “I appreciate the emphasis on culture, Izzy, but what about
profitability? We need to see returns sooner, and this Cultural Center... it doesn’t exactly scream “revenue. Where’s the
immediate profit in that? Where’s the numbers?”
She knew this was going to happen.
Izzy kept her gaze level, not missing a beat. “The Cultural Center is essential, not only to gain regulatory approval but also to
create a distinct brand presence in Macau. This will attract guests who value experiences beyond the usual casino and nightlife
attractions. We’re not just trying to make a quick profit here; we’re building a long–term foothold in Asia.” The previous Izzy
wouldn’t dare say something that would put Calen in a bad light. Sadly, that Izzy is gone.
When Izzy decided that she wouldn’t change the proposal, she knew that this clash would eventually happen. So, she chose for
it to happen in front of everyone else.
Calen narrowed his eyes, clearly unhappy. “But we’re already pouring millions into this project. I don’t see the point of diverting
resources into a part of the hotel that doesn’t directly contribute to the bottom line.”
She moved to the next slide, displaying the phased opening plan “Our phased opening addresses that. By opening the wellness
spa and dining areas first, we start generating revenue within months of construction. This approach cases the financial burden
and starts creating brand visibility while we complete the casino portion. Macau is a unique market, and our goal should be
establishing a solid foundation rather than rushing to immediate returns.”

Calen leaned back in his chair. “That’s unnecessary. The casino and entertainment areas bring in the real money. We should.
focus on them from the start and cut anything that isn’t profitable right away.”
Izzy tapped the table, making her point clear. “Mr. Weiss, Macau’s regulatory board is prioritizing projects that align with their
vision for sustainable tourism. We can’t afford to ignore this. If we push forward without these cultural elements, we risk project

delays, or worse, shutdowns. The phased approach minimizes that risk.”
Calen’s jaw tightened, his expression hardening. “Are you implying my approach is risky?”
She didn’t flinch. She met his gaze. “I’m saying that ignoring the regulatory landscape is a far bigger risk than waiting for casino
profits. This is LX’s first hotel in Asia. We are not only carrying the LX name but the whole Weiss Inc. Any misstep here could set
us back for years in expanding across the continent. We need to do it right the first time.”
A tense silence settled over the room as Calen glared at her, visibly irritated. As usual, he started drumming his fingers on the
table. “What you’re proposing sounds slow and unnecessary. The cultural elements could come later. We don’t need to bend
over backward to please every local requirement right from the start.” Calen gritted his teeth. For a moment he was tempted to
remind her who she was working for. Why was this woman being so hardheaded today? Did she hit her head somewhere?
Then Calen added. “You seem overly concerned with these cultural elements, Izzy. Maybe you’re forgetting that the
goal here is profitability, not community service. This isn’t some charity event–it’s a business venture.”
He glanced around the room, clearly trying to pull the team into his line of thinking. “Can anyone here honestly say that at
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Chapter 18
“Cultural Center” is going to attract the kind of clientele we need to stay competitive? People come the nightlife, the high–end
thrill–not a history lesson.”
0 Macau for the casinos.
A few team members exchanged uncomfortable glances but said nothing, shifting in their seats, Izzy felt their eyes flick between
her and Calen, watching the exchange like a tennis match. Most of the company knew about their relationship but had always
seen them act professionally within the office.

This was the first time they openly clashed over a project. Even Monica, standing behind Calen, was caught off guard. She
hadn’t expected Izzy to challenge him like this.
The Izzy Monica knew would always follow Calen’s suggestions and do things his way. What’s gotten into her? Monica frowned,
puzzled.
To everyone’s surprise, however, Izzy kept her composure, meeting his gaze steadily.
“I understand that profitability is our objective,” Izzy said evenly, meeting Calen’s gaze. “But as I mentioned, Macau’s tourism
board is prioritizing projects that include cultural elements. Their policies are clear: sustainable tourism is key. If we ignore those
requirements, we risk delays–or worse, being denied approval altogether.”
Calen leaned back, a mocking smile on his face. “So, we’re just going to jump through hoops for a bunch of government
officials? Since when does LX Hotels let red tape tell us what we can or can’t do?”
Izzy didn’t break eye contact. “Since we decided to expand into Asia. This isn’t just about Macau; this is our entry point for the
entire continent. Ignoring the regulations now could set us back years with every future project we try to launch here.” She

wanted to tell him that she had been doing all the red tape everywhere. However, Calen doesn’t know this as he was never with
her in all those deals behind the scenes. It was all Izzy,
However, Izzy calmed herself. She knew this wasn’t the time to show her cards.
Just as she expected, Calen’s expression shifted, his smile tightening as he looked around the room, clearly trying to pull the
others onto his side. “Look at that,” he said, giving a casual shrug, “Apparently, we’ve all got our priorities wrong. Izzy here
seems to think cultural fluff is more important than the bottom line. Maybe we should all let her run the show.”
She knew Calen was attempting to undercut her credibility, framing her careful planning as a weakness. She glanced around. the
table, catching the uncertain looks of a few team members. However, everyone on her team knew that it was Izzy who did the
work. There is no need to prove herself to these people.
“My focus is the bottom line,” she said, her voice steady. “That’s exactly why I’m advising we proceed carefully. A phased
approach with cultural elements ensures our long–term position. This is about showing LX’s commitment to the market, not just
making a fast profit.”
Calen let out a low laugh, his smirk widening. “Commitment, huh? I thought commitment meant following directions from your
superior. You’re the VP, Izzy, Let’s keep that straight.”

Izzy felt her pulse quicken. She didn’t know how she kept her tone calm as she said, “My role is to advise on the project’s
success, and part of that is making sure we avoid costly mistakes Rushing this could hurt us, Calen, and this entire team.”
Calen’s face darkened. “Then, change the proposal. I don’t like it
Izzy’s jaw clenched slightly. Was this man really stupid? Just what was Calen up to? He knew that she had been working on this
project for months now! “I don’t see the need to redo a proposal that meets our goals and respects local regulations. If I could
just talk to CEO Weiss-”
“Did I ask for your opinion on that? I said change it.”
“I disagree...” a voice suddenly interrupted him. Everyone turned their attention to the speaker who walked inside the
boardroom.
Just like everyone else, Calen turned toward the door. A ripple of surprise passed through the room as CEO Renard Weiss
13:13 Wed, Jan 1
Chapter 18
entered. At six feet, with silvered hair and a still–imposing presence, Renard exuded a quiet authority that left no room for
argument. He surveyed the room briefly, his gaze landing on Izzy before he spoke.
“Miss Rossi it’s good to see you again,” Renard said, smiling. “I understand the point you’re making. I agree that establishing a
cultural foundation in Macau is not only wise but necessary for the Pearl Project’s success. It’s a strong proposal. Good job.”
Calen’s eyes widened. He quickly rose from his chair, moving toward his father. “Dad,” he said, extending a hand. “Good to see
you here.”
Renard clasped Calen’s hand briefly, then turned to the group, Thank you, Calen, for inviting me to this meeting. I’ve been eager
to see the progress on our first Asian expansion.”
Calen’s face froze, the realization dawning on him in a split second. His gaze flicked toward Izzy, who met his eyes with a slight,
composed smile. He didn’t need to ask her to know what she just did. The bitch just invited his father without his permission.