Chapter 460: The Strategy

Chapter 460 Strategy

Once they got in the car, Michael held Isabella tightly, burying his face in her neck. His voice was muffled as he spoke, "Isabella, what did I do wrong? Why does she hate me so much? She won't even look at me."

"Michael, you didn't do anything wrong, and she doesn't hate you, I swear," Isabella gently stroked his back, trying to explain on Rowan's behalf.

Michael didn't believe her and scoffed, "I don't buy it. If she didn't hate me, why wouldn't she look at me? Maybe Milan was right. She doesn't love my father, and she doesn't love us. She left willingly back then."

"Michael!" Isabella pushed him away, scolding him angrily.

Michael knew he had gone too far but couldn't bring himself to apologize. He just stared out the window with a sullen expression.

Isabella quickly apologized, "I'm sorry, I shouldn't have yelled at you. I know you're hurting, but she's suffering too."

"How is she suffering? I came all this way, and she won't even look at me. Who's really suffering here, her or me?" Michael turned around and demanded loudly.

Isabella took his hand and patiently explained, "Michael, being distant doesn't always mean being heartless. Just like when you decided to give up the child, it wasn't because you didn't love them. You had your reasons."

"My reason was to protect you. What's her reason? Afraid Milan would hurt me? Milan can't even protect himself. Doesn't she have her judgment?"

"I think her reason is that she feels too ashamed to face you," Isabella said solemnly, holding his hand. "We can't imagine how painful it was for her to regain her memories. Not everyone dares to face their scars, especially in front of the ones they love the most."

"Does she know he's still alive?" Michael asked quietly after a long silence.

Isabella shook her head. "I don't know. I wanted to tell her, but I couldn't. Maybe it would be better if you told her."

"She won't even talk to me. How am I supposed to tell her?" Michael grumbled.

Isabella patted his hand, comforting him. "Alright, don't be mad. She promised me she would go see Milan. That's her way of showing love. For you, she's willing to see someone she doesn't want to."

Michael fell silent at Isabella's words. He hugged her tightly, resting his chin on her shoulder, his whole weight pressing down on her like a child seeking comfort.

Isabella gently patted his back, feeling his pain.

When they got home, Aaron had just returned with news about the Castillo family.

As expected, Royce was furious about the party incident, but Freya managed to calm him down shortly after he got home.

Aaron had deliberately leaked the information to Freya's people, letting them know that Michael was behind it.

When the news reached Freya, she was livid, her face turning pale with anger.

She swept the makeup off the table in a fit of rage, scaring the maids who stood frozen, not daring to make a sound.

"What are you staring at? Clean it up!" Freya snapped.

The maids nodded fearfully and hurried to pick up the scattered bottles and jars.

Freya watched them with a haughty expression, gradually calming down. She took out her phone and went to the balcony to make a call.

"What's the deal with your daughter and Michael, and Isabella? Why are they willing to go against the Castillo family for them?" Freya demanded.

Lonnie sighed, "They're just friends. Calista mistakenly thinks Isabella is her sister and treats her well. But she fell for Michael at first sight and even confessed to him, which made Isabella dislike her and Michael avoid her."

"They're going against the Castillo family for such a trivial relationship?" Freya was puzzled.

"They're targeting you, not for Calista, but because of Natalia. You were involved in what happened to Natalia, and Isabella is her daughter. It's only natural for her to seek revenge. Maybe you should tell Isabella about Natalia."

Freya scoffed, "Natalia's mother was no match for me back then. Does she think she can cause trouble now? Lonnie, you were also involved in what happened to Natalia. If I tell Isabella what you did to her mother, she might want to kill you."

"Freya," Lonnie growled.

Freya smirked, "Lonnie, don't think that just because the Runyon family is backing you, I won't do anything. Your nephew is very fond of Isabella. If he finds out what you did, do you think he'll side with you or her?"

"I'm sorry, Mrs. Castillo. I was wrong," Lonnie had no choice but to apologize.

Freya felt triumphant. "Lonnie, you better remember your place. Watch and see. I'll make sure Isabella knows the consequences of crossing me."

She hung up forcefully and looked out the window, arms crossed.

Outside, the grass was lush and green, and a small dog was frolicking on the lawn.

Watching the silly little dog, Freya thought of a brilliant plan, a sinister smile spreading across her face.

Soon, Kerena was called up. She stood nervously in front of Freya, asking quietly, "Grandmother, you wanted to see me?"

"Come, sit," Freya said, putting on a kind smile and patting the sofa beside her, trying to appear warm and friendly.

Kerena hesitated, shaking her head and stepping back, afraid of provoking the woman she saw as a demon.

Freya rolled her eyes but kept her patience, pulling Kerena's hand to make her sit beside her. "Kerena, you don't need to be afraid of me. I'm not your biological grandmother, but I've been married to your grandfather for many years. We're family. I've watched you grow up, and I care about you. I heard you like Michael, but he doesn't like you?"

"He has someone else. I asked Uncle Donald to help me, but he wouldn't. I don't understand why he likes Isabella and not me. What's so special about her?" Kerena complained angrily.

Freya hid her disdain and patiently said, "You're definitely better than Isabella. If Michael doesn't like you, it's because he's been bewitched by her. But Kerena, relationships aren't just about liking someone. Michael likes Isabella now because he's been with her, not you."

"Grandmother, I don't understand what you mean," Kerena said, confused.

Freya smiled, "Silly girl, I mean that only after you've been intimate with a man will he truly appreciate you. If you want Michael to like you, you need to show him how good you are."