Chapter 55
Izzy snorted. How shameless. The guilt–tripping really wouldn’top, she thought inwardly. “Then how much does she want!” Izzy suddenly asked her question, surprising Monica
“What?” Monica frowned, wondering if she heard correctly. Didzy just- “What did you say?”
“You seemed to be talking about repaying your mother for raising me,” Izzy said. “How much do you think she deserves? I can naturally write you-
SLAPI
Izzy’s head snapped sharply to the side as Monica’s hand connected with her cheek. A sharp sting spread across her skin, but Izzy remained frozen, her eyes wide in disbelief. Did the bitch really slap her just now? Slowly, she straightened, her gaze locking onto Monica, who was already pulling her hand back as if the slap hadn’t just happened.
“Izzy. I–Mónica started, but the sound of hurried footsteps interrupted her.
Then suddenly, Cecil and Calen appeared at the doorway, their faces shifting as they took in the scene: Cecil’s eyes darted from Izzy’s reddened cheek to Monica’s tense stance, her lips pressing into a thin line. She stepped forward, her movements swift.
“What is this!?” Cecil snapped, her sharp tone cutting through the tension. “What on earth do you think you’re doing?”
Monica’s expression immediately shifted. She placed a hand on her chest, her face twisting into a look of remorse. “Aunt Cecil, it’s not what it looks like. I-” She stopped mid–sentence Liam stepped into view, his gaze locked on Izzy.
Liam was beside Izzy in an instant, his hand brushing her cheek gently as he examined the mark. His jaw tightened, and his eyes darkened as he turned his attention to Manica. He didn’t speak, but the intensity of his gaze made Monica shift uncomfortably.
Calen approached then, his eyes flickering between the two women. “What is going on here?” he demanded.
“Your secretary just slapped your girlfriend,” Cecil answered curly, crossing her arms as she stood protectively near Izzy. “What kind of behavior is this? This is a company event. Monica has no business being here, and now she’s assaulting people!”
Monica immediately raised her hands defensively. “Aunt Cecil, please! It was a misunderstanding. I–I didn’t mean to. Izzy said something, and I just lost my temper for a moment. It wasn’t intentional.”
“Don’t you dare address me by my first name!” Cecil said.
“1-“Monica bit her lip. She had met Cecil a few times and thought she could call her that. “Mrs. Weiss, it wasn’t like that. It was a misunderstanding.”
Izzy’s lips parted, but before she could speak matter. This isn’t as serious as you’re making it
cut in. “Mom, let’s not escalate this. Monica is here because of a family
to be.”
Cecil’s head’snapped toward her son. “Not serious? Your girlfriend just got slapped, and you’re defending the person who hit her?” She gestured toward Izzy, her expression sharp. “Look at her, Calen. That mark on her check didn’t appear out of nowhere”
Calen shifted uncomfortably, his jaw tightening. “I’m not saying it’s acceptable. I’m just saying this is a family matter. We don’t need to involve anyone else,” he said, looking around. “And you’re attracting a lot of attention right now. We can sort it out later.
“You’re standing here, excusing this behavior, while your girlfriend was just humiliated in front of everyone. Do you event hear yourself?” Cecil’s eyes narrowed, her frustration evident as she stepped closer to her son.
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Chapter 55
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– Weiss, I’m so sorry – Monica hesitated. Who would have thought they would witness her slapping Izzy? “I shouldn’t have reacted like that. Izzy just.. she made a comment about my other that upset me. But I swear I didn’t mean for it to escalate. It’s my fault, and I’ll apologize properly.”
Cecil turned her icy gaze to Monica. “Apologies don’t erase what you’ve done. You are not welcome here anymore. Calen. take her and leave.”“”
Calen stepped in front of Monica, his hands raised slightly. “Mom, please. This isn’t necessary. Monica didn’t come here to cause trouble. She just wanted to talk to Izzy.”
“To talk? Is that what you call this?” Cecil gestured toward Izzy, her voice growing colder with each word. “If she wanted to talk, she should have kept her hands to herself. Instead, she’s here making a scene at a professional event. This is beyond unacceptable.”
While Cecil was scolding Calen, Monica’s eyes welled with tears. She shook her head. “Izzy, I’m so sorry, I didn’t mean to hurt you. I just… You know how stressed Mom has been lately. I was only trying to help her, and I let my emotions get the
better of me.”
Izzy remained silent, her expression unreadable as she watched Monica’s performance. Liam, however, scoffed audibly and placed a steadying hand on Izzy’s back. “Enough,” he said simply, “You’d better leave before this becomes worse for you.”
Monica’s lips trembled. She turned her pleading gaze to Calen. Mr. Weiss, please. You know I didn’t mean to do this. I was just upset.”
“Mom, can’t we just let this go? It won’t happen again, and you’re causing a scene. I don’t want this to reach Father’s ears
Let it go? No, Calen. How did 1 have such a stupid son like you! Take Monica and leave. If you can’t stand up for Izzy, at least have the decency to remove the source of the problem. Take her and leave. We will sort this out later!” Cecil’s eyes scanned the area. By now, the commotion had already attracted a few onlookers.
This time, Calen clenched his fists, but didn’t argue further. He turned to Monica and placed a hand on her arm. “Let’s go.” Monica hesitated, her eyes darting toward Izzy one last time. “Izzy, I truly am sorry. I really didn’t mean to do that.”
Izzy didn’t respond. She simply turned toward Liam, who was still watching Monica with a glare that could cut steel. Monica finally allowed Calen to guide her away, though she glanced back repeatedly as if hoping for some reprieve.
Once they were gone, Cecil immediately turned to Izzy, her expression softening. “Are you alright?”
Izzy nodded. “I’m fine. Thank you, Cecil.”
Cecil shook her head, her frustration still evident. “You shouldn’t have to deal with that nonsense. I’m glad Mr. Horvath was here.”
Liam gave a slight nod.
Cecil stepped closer, resting a hand on Izzy’s arm. “I know this is your family’s matter, but if you need anything, let me
know.”
“I will,” Izzy replied, offering a small smile.
Cecil walked inside, muttering under her breath about the audacity of it all. Liam turned to Izzy and examined her cheek once more, his hand lingering just enough to reassure her.
“That woman is unbelievable,” he said quietly. “Are you sure you re okay?”
Izzy nodded. “I’ve dealt with worse. 17. She paused deliberately. “I need to go to the restroom.”
“Let me take you there
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quickly excused herself to the washroom to fix her makeup leaving Liam waiting just outside. As soon as she diappeared through the door, he pulled out his phone and dialect.
“Mondo, Liam said the moment the call connected.
“Yes, Mr. Horvath,” Mondo replied promptly.
“Were you able to take care of everything I asked?” Lian’s voice was calm, but his eyes darkened as he spoke.
“Yes, sir. Everything is in place”
Liam’s jaw tightened, the memory of the slap replaying in his mind. It wasn’t just anger–it was a simmering rage he had barely managed to contain. “Good,” he said, his tone icier now, “Let’s turn up the pressure. I want them to feel it. Every. Single. Bit
There was a brief pause before Mondo responded. “Understood
Liam ended the call, slipping his phone back into his pocket. His hands clenched into fists at his sides, but he forced himself to relax. He couldn’t show this side of him, not in front of Izzy.
“Is she inside?” Calen’s voice cut through Liam’s thoughts as he approached.
“It seems that punch wasn’t hard enough. I didn’t expect you to be walking in just a few hours, “Liam said, his sneer sharpening as his eyes landed on Calen.
“Where is she?” Calen demanded, his teeth clenched, glaring at am. The sight of him near Izzy only stoked the anger simmering beneath his surface. “You better tell me where she is, or-
“Or what?” Liam interrupted, stepping forward with an air of confidence that somehow intimidated Calen. The proximity immediately emphasized the height difference between the two What exactly will you do, Mr. Weise?”
Calen’s glare intensified, but Liam’s smirk didn’t waver.”
“Can you stop meddling in things that don’t concern you?” Calen hissed, his frustration boiling over. “Izzy is my woman! What I say or do to her is none of your business.”
Liam tilted his head, his smirk growing colder. “Your. woman?” He let the words hang in the air before chuckling lowly “App you sure about that, Mr. Weiss?”
“You-“Calen started, but Liam didn’t give him the chance to finish.
Liam’s smirk turned razor–sharp as if he was silently challenging him, daring Calen to take another step.
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