Mr. Villain's Lovely Wife (Izzy) novel Chapter 78

Chapter 78 

Chapter 78 

80% 

“What the hell are you doing?” Calen asked sharply the moment Liam took his seat, his frustration barely contained. 

“What do you think?” Liam responded, a smirk tugging at the corner of his lips. Without waiting for an answer, he turned toward Izzy, his presence dominating the space between them. “Elello, Miss Rossi. It’s nice to see you again.” 

Izzy turned to him, her expression calm and composed, though her pulse quickened as his familiar scent–a mix of sandalwood and something crisp–lingered in the air. She stiffened. This wasn’t the first time that she had smelled this familiar scent, but it still had this effect on her. 

Why was she reacting like this around him? Still, she managed to maintain the professional smile on her face. “It’s a pleasant surprise to see you here, Mr. Horvath. I’m glad we’ll be working together on this project. 

Liam’s smirk deepened as he leaned slightly–closer, his gaze locking with hers. “Really?” he asked, his voice low enough that only she could hear. 

For a brief moment, Izzy hesitated. The space between them seemed to shrink as her senses heightened, every detail of his closeness becoming impossible to ignore. She forced herself to hold his gaze. “Of course. Horvath Industries is a highly respected company. Your involvement will undoubtedly elevate this project.” 

His eyes searched hers, lingering as though testing the resolve in her words. Then he leaned back, his smirk never fading. Seeing this, Calen’s grip on the table tightened, his glare flicking between the two of them. The tension in his jaw was visible, but he held his tongue. He wanted to erupt, lash out on Liam. But the people inside the room kept him in check. 

He couldn’t lose face now. No. Not now! 

Oblivious to the undercurrent between them, Mr. Lin smiled warmly. “It’s wonderful to see that you two already know each other. That familiarity will certainly make the collaboration smoother.” 

He picked up his wine glass and raised it. “To a happy cooperation between all of us and the success of this project!” 

The room echoed his sentiment as the executives lifted their glasses. Seeing this, Izzy smiled as she lifted her glass. Izzy’s hand was steady as she clinked her glass lightly against Liam’s and tried to avoid his gaze that lingered on her a moment longer than necessary. 

“Happy cooperation,” Liam murmured, his words almost too quiet to catch. 

Izzy’s polite smile remained in place, though her heart beat faster than she would have liked. As she sipped her wine, the subtle awareness of his presence beside her refused to fade. She forced herself to focus on the meeting ahead, determined not to let him rattle her any more than he already had. 

Calen wasted no time, grabbing Liam’s arm as he turned to leave “Why are you here, Horvath? I didn’t hear anything about Horvath Industries‘ participation in the bidding,” Calen said, his grip firm. 

Liam looked down at Calen’s hand on his arm, then back at him an amused glint in his eyes. “What do I’m here because I enjoy surprise entrances. Keeps things lively, don’t you agree?” 

you 

think? Maybe 

“Don’t play games with me,“Calen scowled, clearly unimpressed. What the fuck are you doing?” 

Liam tilted his head slightly, his smirk widening. “Guess.” 

Calen opened his mouth, but before he could retort, Izzy was already there. Her hand shot out, pulling Calen’s grip off Liam’s arm. “What are you doing, Calen?” she demanded, her gaze cold. 

1/3 

80% 

Chapter 78 

Calen faltered for a moment, surprised by her interference. Meanwhile, Liam rubbed his arm with an exaggerated wince, catching Izzy’s attention. “Ouch,” Liam said, holding his arm delicately. “That was quite the grip. I think it might bruise 

Izzy frowned, glancing at his arm. “Are you fucking serious?” 

“Very” Liam replied shamelessly. Before she could respond, he grabbed her hand and placed it on the spot Calen had held, “Maybe you should massage it. You know, to prevent swelling. I might need to see a doctor otherwise.” 

Izzy stared at him, her lips pressed into a thin line. But she didn pull her hand away, instead pressing lightly on the area, though her annoyance was evident. “Are you happy now? This is ridiculous,” she said, glaring at Calen. 

Calen’s glare darkened. “What the hell did I’do? Stop making a scene!” 

“What’s your problem, Mr. Weiss?” she asked. “Why are you causing trouble? He’s part of the project now, so act like an adult and deal with it.” 

Liam’s smirk reappeared, though Izzy couldn’t see it with her back to him. He glanced at Calen, clearly enjoying the reaction he was provoking. 

Calen’s fists clenched at his sides. “Stop hiding behind a woman’s skirt, Horvath. Handle your issues directly if you’ve got something to say.”