Mr. Villain's Lovely Wife

Chapter 19

Izzy had never imagined she’d find satisfaction in Calen’s discomfort. For years, she'd held back, never once

considering the idea of challenging hum

a

But today proved her wrong. Maybe her old restraint cfrom twhen she’d spent three years seeing him

as someone to admire, almost worship.

“Let's discuss the mancial structure for this phases approach, Miss Rossi,” Renard Weiss began as he opened a

bottle of water. “You mentioned the initial revenue generation from the wellness spa and dining areas before the

casino opening How does that align with projected profit margins?”

Izzy stepped forward. She had been preparing for this presentation long before discovering Calen’s betrayal and

knew every detail by heart. “Yes, Mr. Weiss. By launching the wellness spa and dining areas first, we can

establish an initial revenue stream, easing cash flow concerns during casino construction. Our projections

indicate that by the end of the first phase, we could reach a break-even point within eight months, particularly

with high-margin wellness packages aimed at upscale clientele.”

Renard Weiss nodded, visibly intrigued. “And what about the Cultural Center? | know it won't bring in direct

revenue, but how do you envision its return on investment?”

Izzy clicked on the next slide, which was a breakdown of the Cultural Center's impact. “While the Cultural Center

isn't at direct revenue driver, we expect it to create high-value brand equity. Partnering with local artists and

cultural institutions offers opportunities for government grants and tax incentives, which would lower our overall

costs. In the long term, this could reduce operational expenses by up to fifteen percent.”

Hearing this, Calen clenched his jaw, clearly not appreciating how smoothly she navigated each question. But

Renard seemed impressed. “Fifteen percent is substantial. And tax incentives would be critical as we expand into

Asia. That's smart thinking, 1zzy.”

“Thank you, Mr. Weiss,” Izzy replied, turning back to her presentation. “Additionally, the Cultural Center will

position us as a key player in sustainable tourism, giving us leverage for future bids in other regulated Asian

markets like Singapore or Japan

Renard leaned back thoughtfully, absorbing her response. “Now, let's talk about customer acquisition. With so

many competitors focusing on high-stakes gambling, how are we ensuring a unique clientele without

compromising Pearl's profitability?”

Izzy anticipated this and pulled up the next slide. “Our marketing strategy is centered around experiences

beyond the casino. By targeting the luxury wellness and cultural travel segments, we reach an untapped

demographic. Travelers who might bypass Macau for destinations like Kyoto or Bali will now see it as an option.

With the phased approach, we're essentially making the Pearl a multi-faceted destination rather than just a

casino resort.”

Renard nodded slowly, smiling. “So, you're diversifying the guest portfolio. It's a wise approach. And the

projections?”

Izzy gestured to a chart on the screen. “With our market segmentatio

we estimate a fifty percent occupancy rate within the first quarter of opening the initial phases, increasing to

seventy-five percent as we complete the casino and entertainment areas. The diversified appeal mitigates risk

during the early stages, ensuring steady occupancy even before the casino opens.”

Renard smiled, visibly satisfied with her responses. “Excellent work, Izzy. | appreciate the thorough approach. It’s

exactly what we need for a sustainable entry into the Asian market.”

Calen’s fingers tightened on the back of his chair, frustration etched into his expression. Izzy wouldn't normally

do any presentations in front of his father. In fact, since Izzy started working for their company, she had only

presented once, and that was because Calen was sick. This was Calen’s job! Why was she taking all the credits?

“We'll need to evaluate that further,” he interjected while glaring at Izzy, hoping she would read the room and

shut her mouth “Projections are just that-projections. Until we see tangible returns, I'm not convinced this level

of initial spending

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Chapter 19

on non-gambling elements is the right call”

Renand’s gaze shifted to Calen, a faint frown forming on his face “Calen, we've seen in other markets that

diversifying our appeal can extend the lifecycle of these projects. This approach could position us well for

additional growth across Asia”

Calen held his father’s gaze as he struggled to keep his irritation check. “Of course, Dad. But let's not overlook

the fact that this is a casino resort. Our clientele expects a high-end, high stakes experience that drives up

spending. The Cultural Center and wellness focus don’t cater to that core demographic

Renard’s expression hardened slightly as he looked at his son. “We're not just here for short-term gains. LX

Hotels is establishing a brand identity in Asia, and that requires a balanced culturally sensitive approach. |

expected you, of all people, to understand that.”

Calen’s jaw tightened, but he forced a nod. “Understood. We'll proceed as recommended.”

Izzy felt a quiet satisfaction as she watched Calen reluctantly agree. For the first time, he couldn't undermine her

with his usual tactics, not with his father’s eyes on him. It was clear to everyone in the room where the real

support lay

Renard turned to Izzy one last time. “I look forward to seeing the final phases take shape, Miss Rossi. Keep me

updated directly on your progress. This is one of the most promising projects we've taken on in years.”

Izzy nodded. “Of course, Mr. Weiss. I'll ensure you have regular updates.”

“If you need anything else, you can directly approach my secretary to schedule a meeting,” Mr. Weiss said,

smiling.

“Thank you, sir,” 1zzy nodded. When she secretly invited Mr. Weiss, she had anticipated many questions. The fact

that the EEO gave her permission to approach him directly was enough to make her smile. It seemed she had

gained much from her small gamble.

With that, Renard rose from his seat, signaling the end of the discussion. He gave Izzy a nod of approval before

leaving the room, leaving Calen visibly seething. As the door closed behind his father, Calen’s mask of

professionalism cracked. “Meeting adjourned!” Sensing Calen’s mood, everyone else in the room quickly

gathered their things, including Izzy.

However, Calen was far from done. He glared at Izzy and raised his voice. “To my office!” Calen hissed, getting

up from his seat. “Now!” Then he marched out of the boardroom.

Seeing this, Izzy couldn't help but smile inwardly. Calen had been so used to ordering her around, making her do

his job. It was tto teach him a lesson. She slowly gathered her things and followed behind him.

Izzy stepped into Calen’s office, her expression composed as she closed the door behind her. Calen was already

standing by his desk, his fists clenched, pacing furiously. He turned to face her, his glare intense.

“What the hell were you doing in there?” he snapped, his eyes blazing as he gestured toward the boardroom.

“Do you think this is sgame, Izzy?”

Izzy blinked, tilting her head slightly as if confused. “What do you mean? | was just presenting the Pearl Project

as planned

Calen scoffed, crossing his arms tightly. “Don’t play innocent. You went behind my back, inviting my father

without telling me. Do you have any idea how that madelook?”

Izzy clasped her hands in front of her, her face showing nothing but polite surprise. “Calen, | only invited Mr.

Weiss because | thought he’d want to understand the risks involved. You seemed so sure of your approach that |

figured an outside perspective might be helpful.”

Calen’s expression hardened. “Helpful? You humiliatedin front of my entire team! You questioned my

judgment and brought in my father to override my decision. You undermined me, Izzy. Don’t pretend you didn’t

know exactly what you were doing!” He began pacing around his office, fists clenched. The urge to hurl

something-maybe the vase on his desk- gripped him, desperate need to release his frustration. But he knew that

wouldn't serve him. His father would hardly see such a display as a sign of his fitness to be the next CEO

13:13 Wed, Jan 1

Chapter 19

Izzy took a step closer, keeping her voice calm as she met his gage “And why would I try to humiliate you?” she

asked. “You know me, | would never do something so silly. My goal was only to help you see the potential pitfalls

before it's too late,” she smiled. “If Mr. Weiss hadn't been there to explain the importance of the cultural

elements, we'd risk losing Macau's approval altogether. | know you have been wanting to get this project as soon

as possible. After all, this could help with your performance review next month. Don’t you see it, Calen? I'm

trying to help you.”

Just as she expected. Calen’s demeanor softened. The mention of the upcoming performance review was enough

to divert his attention from her recent actions. “The CEO recognizes our progress, and once we present this to

the board, I'm confident you'll secure their approval.” Izzy said with a reassuring smile.

The best way to handle the greedy is to fuel their ambitions-and that was exactly what she intended to do.S he

was going to feed his ego until it burst.

Seeing Calen’s changing expression, Izzy added, “I thought you understood the risks. But when you insisted on

dismissing them, | didn’t want to take chances. Bringing in Mr. Weiss wasn’t meant to embarrass you, it was

meant to help us both understand the stakes. | would never deliberately undermine you. Calen. We're on the

steam.”

Calen’s shoulders slumped slightly, the anger in his gaze wavering. He seemed to struggle with her response, his

frustration shifting to something closer to resignation. He exhaled sharply, rubbing his temples.

“Fine. But this can’t happen again, Izzy. If you have concerns, you ctofirst. | don’t need my father

stepping in every twe hit a roadblock. Understood?

Izzy nodded, her expression perfectly contrite. “Understood. | didn’t mean to step out of line. | was only thinking

of the project, and I'll make sure to cto you directly in the future.

Calen’s gaze softened slightly, his posture relaxing just enough for her to see the hint of satisfaction behind his

frustration. “Good. Let's keep it that way.” He turned back to his desk, clearly ready to end the conversation.

Izzy took a steadying breath, hiding her relief as she turned to leave. But as she reached the door, she paused,

looking back at him with an almost subtle smile.

Calen should brace himself for what's coming next. Izzy left his office with a smile.

This was only the beginning.

SEND GIFT