Chapter 180

Chapter 180

At the dinner table.

Isabella and Clea were chatting and laughing together.

Michael was once again the one left out.

He tried several times to join their conversation.

But whether it was Isabella or Clea, the two seemed to have endless topics to talk about and completely ignored him.

Finally, dinner was over. Clea, exhausted from playing all day, went back to her room and fell into a deep sleep.

Isabella walked into the bathroom.

Michael quietly followed behind. The moment the door was closing, he squeezed himself in. "I know you're injured. Let me help you apply the medicine."

Isabella pressed her hand against the door and took the ointment from him. "It's okay, I'm tough. I can do it myself. The child is still here, and I don't want her to get any wrong ideas."

Bang—the door closed.

The sound of running water started.

Michael stood outside the door, looking at the closed door. His chest felt like something was squeezing it, making it hard to breathe.

He didn't move. After standing there for a while, he turned and went back to the study.

Night fell.

After struggling with himself for a long time, he gathered his courage and returned to the bedroom, only to find it pitch dark and the bed empty.

Where was she?

He quickly walked to the next room and saw two people sleeping soundly on the bed. He froze.

What did this mean? Were they separating?

He opened his mouth, quickly walked over, wanting to carry her back to the room.

But Isabella suddenly opened her eyes, a hint of warning in them. "Too much sex is bad for your health. Besides, we did it all night last night. I'm tired. Aren't you tired?"

Michael's movements froze. He didn't say anything and quietly retreated.

Feeling restless and irritated, he called Joseph.

At the bar.

Joseph watched his buddy drink one glass after another and felt helpless. "What's wrong now? Can't you two just talk things through? You're both like clams that won't open up."

"If you like her, just say it clearly. Didn't you say the Bailey family matter would be resolved soon? Then just tell her the truth. At worst, give her a house, a car, stocks—give her enough security and that's it."

The nagging voice kept ringing in his ears.

Michael closed his eyes wearily.

His mind was full of Isabella saying she regretted everything.

When he spoke, his voice was hoarse as he told him about the surveillance cameras.

Joseph's whole body trembled. He gave a thumbs up. "You're really something, installing surveillance in someone's house. Let me tell you, Isabella must never find out about this, or you're in big trouble."

"Can't you use your brain? When you like someone, you should give them respect, not watch their every move. Installing cameras in the office was one thing, but now you've done it in her home too."

Is this guy's need for control really this strong? How terrifying.

Joseph wanted to say more, but seeing his buddy in such pain, he sighed and patted his shoulder.

"I'll say it again—if there's something to talk about, talk it through. Don't do anything crazy."

"Honestly, just looking at Isabella all these years, you can tell she's suffered a lot. Otherwise, she wouldn't have become like this. That rich young lady from back then has now become so cautious. You need to think this through carefully and stop creating problems for yourself."

Michael snorted, looking dissatisfied. "Is that woman not at fault at all? Why doesn't she care about me anymore? Last time she clearly saw those intimate photos of me with another woman, but she acted like she didn't see anything."

And she even dared to say she regretted it.

What right did she have?

Isabella was the one who started it, appearing in his life like a little sun.

Now she wanted to leave just like that? Don't even think about it.

When the little sun suddenly left back then and everything turned dark and gloomy, no one knew how much pain he went through.

Anger gradually rose in his eyes. "Was all that love from before fake?"

His tone was indescribably weary.

Joseph was going crazy. He scratched his hair in frustration. "Fine, do whatever you want."

You reap what you sow.

Even at this point, still making trouble.

This was too much.

But Michael pulled out a cigarette and lit it. "Don't worry, everything is under my control. She can't escape."

"Yeah, yeah, she can't escape. Didn't you also prepare a contract? You're getting more and more resourceful. We're all in awe."

...

Michael gave him an indifferent look and walked out.

He didn't return to the house he shared with Isabella, but went back to the old family mansion instead.

Early in the morning, the old man returned from his morning exercise and was startled to see his grandson sitting on the sofa.

"What's wrong with you? Didn't sleep all night? You bastard, how many times have I told you—no matter what happens, you must take care of your health first."

Michael responded faintly and got straight to the point. "Call off the engagement quickly. Three days."

His tone was neither high nor low, but carried an undeniable firmness.

The old man was so angry he struck out with his cane. "You bastard, do you know what you're saying? We can call off the engagement now, but there needs to be negotiation. You can't let the company suffer losses."

"However much the loss is, I'm willing to cover it personally, using company money." Michael's eyes showed determination.

The old man laughed in anger, his face turning iron blue as his cane pounded loudly. "Good for you! What are you trying to do? Have you gone crazy? The whole social circle is talking about you and Isabella now. It's causing a huge uproar and affecting the cooperation between our families."

"You know what that old man from the Bailey family is like. All these years, he's been trying to take advantage of our family. Now he's even bringing up that old favor from years ago, saying that to call off the engagement, we need to give up profits."

"Think about it—that's a trillion-dollar project. Even a small percentage of profit means tens of billions. Why should we? I'm telling you, no way. It's absolutely impossible to let the company suffer losses because of you alone."

"Also, you and Isabella have been getting too close lately. You need to find a way to distance yourself. It's best to do an interview and explain that you two have a business relationship."

After thinking for a moment, his tone was firm. "In any case, you need to distance yourself quickly. Only then can we avoid losing out in the negotiations with the Bailey family."

Because of the favor between the two families, the old man never wanted to destroy the other side—he just hoped not to lose too much himself.

Michael's face darkened, his jaw tight. Those deep eyes clearly showed disagreement. "But I can't wait."

Isabella was in so much pain now, saying she regretted everything.

If they waited longer, wouldn't it bring even more trouble?

In any case, a quick resolution was what he wanted.

But the old man dropped a bombshell. "Don't think that just because the company is in your hands now, you can do whatever you want. If you dare to act recklessly, I'll show you what I'm capable of."

Michael looked deeply at the old man and turned to leave.

But before leaving, he didn't forget to warn, "Grandpa, I listened to you about what happened back then, but that was only that one time. I make my own decisions about my affairs."