Mr. Villain's Lovely Wife

Chapter 167 46% "Sir, I already made scalls, and it seems that smembers of the Blackwell Group are set to attend a gala tomorrow night. I already secured the invitation, just as you instructed. It's for you and the Vice President," Renard's secretary said.

"Alright." Renard nodded as he leaned back against his seat and closed his eyes. He then gestured for his secretary to leave. He hadn't had any sleep for the past few days, and it was finally taking its toll on him.

Renard sat motionless, his fingers pressing against the arms of his chair. His eyes remained closed, but his mind was far from resting. There was no tfor rest.

Liam's words had set things in motion, forcing him to act immediately. He had spent the past days exhausting every possible option-calling banks, seeking loans, trying to secure enough capital to stabilize Weiss Inc. But none of them approved his requests.

Their reputation was too damaged.

The FBI investigation had turned every potential investor into a coward. Banks refused to touch them, citing the risk. Even longtacquaintances-people who had once shaken his hand and called him a friend-had backed away.

They had used him when it was convenient-asking for favors, calling in connections, attending the sgalas, pretending their ties were strong. But now? Now that he needed them? They were gone.

Renard's fingers twitched. Pathetic. Every single one of them.

He didn't even try to convince himself that they were actually scared of being implicated in the investigation. That was an excuse. The truth was they didn't want to be associated with a sinking ship.

A mistake.

Because he would recover.

And when he did, he would remember every single one of them.

He would cut them off entirely-make sure they never benefited from Weiss Inc. or its connections again. Not in this lifetime.

A sharp knock interrupted his thoughts.

Renard opened his eyes as Calen stepped inside, his expression dark.

Renard straightened, his grip tightening slightly. "What's the news from the hospital?" Calen stopped a few steps from the desk. “Mother is still unconscious,” he said. "The doctors say it's not looking good." Renard's jaw tensed. He had already expected that answer, but hearing it still sent a wave of frustration through him. He inhaled sharply, then exhaled just as quickly. "And Monica?" Calen's hands curled into fists. "She's still in prison." Renard's fingers pressed harder against the desk. "Good," he muttered. "I want that woman to rot in there." Calen let out a slow breath, his shoulders tense. "Our lawyer is concerned," he said. "Monica has been showing signs of mental instability. There's a chance she'll try to use it to get out of the trial." Renard's eyes narrowed, "What?" 1/3 14:13 Thu, 13 Mar M 46% Chapter 167 Calen shifted slightly. "She's claiming postpartum depression. Our lawyer says she might use it along with other mental health defenses-especially since she lost her child." Renard's grip on the desk didn't loosen. "That's stupid." Calen exhaled, shaking his head. "The legal system might not think so." Renard studied him for a moment before leaning back. His gaze sharpened. "If you had handled your issues properly, none of this would have happened." Calen's jaw clenched.

Renard let the words settle between them before he leaned forward again. "But it's too late now." Calen said nothing, his fists tightening at his sides.

The silence between them was heavy.

Renard turned his eyes back to the papers on his desk, his mind already moving past this conversation. There were more important matters to handle.

"Have you asked the Johnson family for help?" Renard asked.

"I have, and Pamella said her father would love to," Calen answered. "But it still wouldn't be enough. They're reluctant to give money because the investigation is still ongoing, and they don't want this to tarnish their names." Renard barely reacted to Calen's words. His focus remained on the papers in front of him. The Johnsons' reluctance didn't matter. They would obtain more funding soon.

"It doesn't matter," Renard said. “We'll secure what we need soon enough.” Calen's brows pulled together. "How?" Without answering, Renard reached for the thick ivory envelope sitting on his desk and pushed it toward Calen. Calen picked it up, flipping it open. His eyes scanned the contents before flicking back to Renard. "A gala?" Renard leaned back, watching him. "It was organized by a representative of the Blackwell Group. Their people will be there." Calen glanced at the invitation again, his fingers tightening slightly. "And?" Renard exhaled slowly. "It's an auction. The proceeds will go to charity, but that's not the point." His gaze sharpened. “The point is that we will have an opportunity to speak with someone from the Blackwell Group." Calen's fingers tapped against the envelope before he set it down. He looked at Renard carefully. "This group... it's too suspicious." Renard's expression didn't change. "They're based in Europe. Their records check out." He gestured slightly. "They own multiple companies-legitimately. They expand by acquiring businesses, not by running them into the ground. They have holdings all over the world." Calen's eyes narrowed. "So what? You think building connections with them is going to help us?" Renard didn't blink. "If we establish the right connections, they could help stabilize our situation." Calen scoffed. "The Blackwell Group has been eyeing Weiss Inc. for months. They want to acquire us. Why would they want to help us?" Renard didn't respond immediately.

2/3 14:13 Thu, 13 Mar M Chapter 167 46% 1 That silence was enough.

Calen's fingers curled against the desk as realization hit him. His gaze snapped back to Renard.

"You're selling your shares to them," Calen said.

Renard didn't confirm it. He didn't deny it either.

"Father-you-are you planning to sell your shares to the Blackwell Group?" Calen asked.

"Don't worry. It won't affect the shares that I plan to give you when I retire," Renard said.

"But-" Renard's shares were already divided between his children who showed up and Calen. While om everything was still in Renard's name, his last will and testament had been updated to include his children. Because of this, Calen's shares had beceven smaller! Renard exhaled sharply, folding his hands on the desk. "I'm not selling my shares," he said. "I'm using them as collateral." Calen's brows furrowed. "Collateral?" Renard nodded. "It's the only way to secure the funding we need." Calen's fingers tightened around the invitation. "You can't be serious. The Blackwell Group is suspicious. You can't just trust them." Renard leaned back, watching him. "Then tell me, who should I trust?" Calen opened his mouth, but no answer came.

Renard gestured toward the papers on his desk. "The banks won't give us my loans. Investors won't even take calls. The so-called friends we've helped in the past are nowhere to be found." He paused, letting the weight of his words settle. “The Blackwell Group has good records. They operate legally. They would never want to ruin their reputation." Calen shook his head. "That doesn't mean they won't take advantage of us.”

Renard didn't waver. "Once we get the funding, the project will be m completed as fast as possible. That solves everything." Calen pressed his lips together, his jaw tight. Renard didn't care if his son had doubts. This was the only path forward.

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