Chapter 458: Meeting Between Mother-in-law and Daughter-in-law

Chapter 458 Meeting Between Mother-in-law and Daughter-in-law

The car pulled up to Runyon Manor in no time.

Since Milan had already been taken back to Runyon Mansion, Jennifer and the driver, Sean, were also sent back by Rowan.

Now, only Rowan and Courtney live here.

Rowan rarely went out, so Sean still drove Courtney to and from school. But Sean only handled the transportation and didn't stay around anymore.

Michael got out of the car and stood quietly at the door for a moment before raising his hand to ring the doorbell. After a long wait, just as Michael was about to leave, thinking no one was home, Rowan's cold voice came from inside, "Who is it?"

"It's Michael Johnson."

Time seemed to freeze, with no sound for a long while.

Michael broke the silence, saying, "I know everything now. Please open the door. I want to talk."

Rowan's voice was indifferent. "There's no need. Leave."

Michael's heart sank. He hadn't expected Rowan to still keep him at arm's length, even though he said he knew the truth. She still refused to give him a chance to meet.

"Why won't you talk to me? What are you avoiding?" He pounded on the door, his knuckles bleeding.

"Michael, calm down."

Isabella, seeing Michael's sudden outburst, quickly got out of the car and ran over to hold him, trying to soothe his emotions.

Michael leaned on Isabella's shoulder, dejectedly saying, "I don't want to be upset, but she keeps avoiding me, refusing to give me a chance to talk. In her eyes, what am I as her son? A disgrace or a stain? Why does she avoid me like the plague?"

"Your wife is here too?" Rowan's voice suddenly came, startling them.

Isabella quickly let go of Michael and greeted her, "Hello, I'm Isabella Taylor."

"Come in," Rowan said, still in a detached tone, her voice revealing no emotion.

Isabella looked at Michael in surprise.

Michael was also stunned. His biological mother wouldn't see him, but wanted to see his wife. Just as he was about to ask Rowan why, Rowan coldly said, "If you want to talk, let her come in alone. If she doesn't want to, you both should leave."

Isabella quickly responded, "Of course, I'll come in alone. Please open the door."

Rowan opened the door, and Michael tried to rush in.

Isabella held him back, advising, "I'll go in. You wait outside. Don't upset her. Otherwise, she won't see anyone. If you don't listen, I'll be mad."

"Fine, I won't go in," Michael reluctantly promised.

As soon as Isabella walked in, Rowan closed the door, as if afraid Michael would force his way in.

Michael paced outside, angry and speechless, wondering if the person inside was his mother, who treated him like a thief.

Inside, Isabella found Rowan waiting quietly at the door.

As she approached, Rowan started walking into the mansion, saying, "Courtney is at school. Don't worry, there's no one else here."

Isabella hesitated, unsure how to address her, but Rowan turned and asked, "What would you like to drink? Tea, coffee, or something else?"

"Anything is fine," Isabella quickly replied.

No matter what, this was her mother-in-law, and she didn't want to seem picky.

Rowan led Isabella to a small tea room on the second floor and began boiling water for tea.

Isabella quietly watched Rowan. Although she had seen her photos before, seeing her in person now still surprised her a bit.

Time had been kind to Rowan, leaving few marks on her face. Instead, it seemed like a gentle beautician had softly refined her features.

Beautiful and elegant, these words seemed tailor-made for her.

No wonder Milan had been obsessed with her for so many years, wanting to see her one last time before he died.

"Red tea, try it. It's good for women," Rowan said, bringing over a pot of red tea.

Isabella quickly stood up and took the teapot from her, pouring tea for her.

Watching her fluid movements, Rowan asked, "Have you learned this?"

Isabella nodded, "I learned for a while."

"To fit into the Johnson family, right? I heard you come from a humble background," Rowan said.

Isabella nodded, feeling a bit embarrassed.

Rowan smiled slightly, saying, "You don't need to be embarrassed in front of me. In terms of background, I'm worse off than you. At least you grew up in a normal family with relatives around. I grew up in an orphanage, not knowing who my parents or relatives are."

"Why won't you see Michael?" Isabella put down the teapot, looking at Rowan seriously, "Growing up in an orphanage, you should know how sad it is for a child to be without parents. Michael has always missed you. Knowing you're alive, he's very happy. Why won't you meet him?"

"Would he be happy knowing I'm alive?" Rowan smiled bitterly, "If you were him, knowing your mother was alive but never sought you out, would you be happy?"

"Milan told us everything," Isabella said, her eyes full of sympathy, explaining to Rowan, "Milan told us that when he rescued you, you had a head injury. He had a hypnotist re-edit your memories. You didn't seek them out because you didn't remember, not because you didn't want to."

"He actually told you all the bad things he did. Is it true that people speak kindly before they die?" Rowan sneered.

Isabella sincerely said, "He told us this hoping we could persuade you to see him. But our purpose today isn't to persuade you to see him. Michael used that as an excuse to come see you."

"He could make that request because you needed something from him? What did you ask him for?" Rowan keenly grasped the key issue.

Isabella shook her head, "It's no longer important. I came in to talk to you to understand why you won't see Michael. He knows the truth now. He's grown up, responsible, and capable. Milan won't harm him anymore. He'll protect himself and those around him. You don't need to worry. In this situation, why won't you meet him and have a proper talk?"