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, I 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. I 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 came from 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, some nodding 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, I 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 some reason, 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; I 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 came almost 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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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 wanted me to 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 lets me lead. Why change that now? Father, don’t you think this is overkill? She’s working under me.
I 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 time complaining 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.