Mr. Villain's Lovely Wife (Izzy) novel Chapter 168

Chapter 168 

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“This gala is pretty nice,” Izzy said, smiling. She looked around. The gala was nothing short of extravagant. Crystal chandeliers hung from the high ceiling, casting a warm glow over the grand ballroom. Soft classical music played in the background, blending seamlessly with the hum of conversation. Servers in crisp uniforms moved through the crowd, offering trays of fine champagne and hors d’oeuvres to elegantly dressed guests. 

Izzy took in the sight, her gaze sweeping over the elegantly decorated tables, each adorned with fresh white roses and gold- trimmed dinnerware. Everything was polished, and refined–exactly what she expected from an event hosted by the Blackwell Group. 

Liam stood beside her, effortlessly holding a glass of champagne. He hadn’t been in a hurry to mingle. If anything, he looked content just being here with her. 

“Hey, do you know anything about the Blackwell group?” Izzy asked. 

However, before he could answer her, Mondo stepped closer, his voice low as he leaned toward Liam. “Sir, a few businessmen are approaching.” 

Liam didn’t react immediately, simply swirling the champagne in his glass as Mondo continued. 

“Graham Whitford, CEO of Whitford Energy. His company specializes in renewable energy projects in Europe.” 

“Victor Langston, managing partner of Langston Holdings. They deal with private equity investments in Asia.” 

“And Robert Ashford, CFO of Ashford Steelworks. They control a large percentage of the steel supply chain in the U.S.” 

Liam exhaled lightly before shifting his gaze toward the approaching men. 

They reached him swiftly, their movements smooth, practiced–men who were used to socializing at this level. 

“Mr. Horvath,” Whitford greeted first, lifting his glass slightly in acknowledgment. “It’s good to see you here.” 

Langston nodded in agreement. “Didn’t think you’d make it. But then again, it wouldn’t be a proper event without a Horvath.” 

Ashford chuckled. “Let’s have a toast, shall we?” 

Liam allowed a small smirk as he lifted his glass. “To a successful evening,” he said smoothly. 

Their glasses clinked together before they each took a sip. 

As the conversation settled, Liam’s hand moved to Izzy’s waist, his touch firm, familiar. “Gentlemen, allow me to introduce 

Isabella Rossi.” 

Izzy met their gazes, giving a polite nod. 

The men exchanged brief glances before offering their own acknowledgments, their interest clear. She wasn’t just a guest- she was someone important to Liam. 

While their relationship hadn’t been publicly announced, it was obvious. The way he held her. The way she stood beside him. 

It didn’t need to be said. 

It was clear she was more than just a friend. 

And then there was the fact that she was a Rossi. 

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14:39 Fri, 14 Mar 

Chapter 168 

“A Rossi?” 

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One of the men, Victor Langston, lifted a brow as he glanced at Izzy with renewed interest. “Would that mean you’re related to Augustus Rossi?” 

Izzy met his gaze without hesitation. “He was my grandfather.” 

There was a brief pause before Graham Whitford hummed in acknowledgment. “Interesting. I’ve met Augustus a few times in the past.” His eyes flicked toward Liam before settling back on Izzy. “He never mentioned having a granddaughter.” 

Izzy took a slow sip of her champagne before answering. “That’s because my grandfather was a very protective man.” She set her glass down on the nearby table with practiced ease. “He preferred to keep personal matters private.” 

Robert Ashford chuckled lightly, shaking his head. “That does sound like Augustus. Always focused on business first.” 

Langston nodded in agreement. “Still, I would’ve thought someone like him would bring up family, especially if that family happens to be involved in business.” 

Izzy glanced at Liam briefly before turning back to them. “He had his reasons.” She lifted her champagne glass again. “Though I imagine if he were here, he’d probably still be keeping an eye on things.” 

Whitford smirked slightly. “A protective grandfather and now a Horvath at your side? You must be very well–guarded.” 

Liam’s grip on her waist remained firm as he took a sip of his champagne. “She’s exactly where she should be.” 

The men exchanged looks before raising their glasses again, this time including Izzy in the silent toast. 

It was nothing more than small talk, but the curiosity in their gazes lingered just a little longer. Augustus Rossi’s granddaughter wasn’t just here–she was standing beside Liam Horvath. 

That, in itself, said plenty. 

“What the hell are you doing?” Pamella whispered as she pinched Calen’s side. “Stop glaring at them! They will melt!” 

Calen gritted his teeth, his fingers curling around the glass in his hand. His eyes remained fixed on Izzy and Liam, standing together as if they belonged at each other’s side. 

“Mind your own business,” he muttered. 

Pamella pinched his side again, harder this time. “You are my business,” she shot back. “You invited me here, remember? Why the hell are you glaring at another woman?” 

Calen’s grip tightened around his glass. His entire body was tense, his gaze locked onto Liam’s hand on Izzy’s waist, the way they moved so effortlessly together. This sight made him so angry, he wanted to remove his hand from her body! It wasn’t supposed to be like this. He had moved on! Isn’t this just a woman? 

Pamella let out an exasperated sigh. “You look like you’re about to stab someone. And people are noticing.” 

Calen exhaled sharply, his jaw clenching. “Of course, they’re noticing,” he snapped. “She was my fiancée.” 

Pamella rolled her eyes. “Was.” She flicked his shoulder. “Don’t dwell on the past. You’re making a fool of yourself and me.”