Chapter 398 Junior

"Hey, honey!" Isabella called out from a distance, making it clear who she was talking to without using Michael's name.

Michael immediately got up and went to help her, his voice full of concern. "Isabella, let me introduce you. This is Aria Runyon, a junior from my college."

Aria smiled kindly at Isabella and said, "I didn't expect you to be married already."

Michael chuckled, "At my age, some folks who got hitched early already have kids in kindergarten."

A woman nearby scoffed, "Mr. Johnson, are you saying it's weird for Aria to still be single?"

Michael had no such intention and didn't even know this woman, so he didn't bother to explain. 

Unexpectedly, the woman took his silence as a sign she had struck a nerve and continued sarcastically, "Mr. Johnson, being Aria's senior at Celestial University, you must be smart. How did you end up with a wife like that?"

Michael was furious! How dare this woman insult Isabella! 

But as a gentleman, he wouldn't argue with an uncouth woman. He calmly said to Aria, "Aria, our mentor always said to treat everyone kindly, but for those with poor character, kindness is enough. There's no need to keep them around and tarnish your reputation."

"Are you saying I have poor character?" The girl glared at Michael, pointing angrily.

Aria, feeling embarrassed, quickly grabbed the girl's hand and apologized to Michael, "Michael, I'm sorry. We'll leave now and catch up another time."

With that, she pulled the girl away.

Isabella praised Michael, "Michael, you're amazing. That woman already tried to cause trouble for us at the restroom earlier. You really avenged me."

"She caused trouble for you? Did she bully you?" Michael gripped Isabella's shoulders, worried.

Isabella laughed, "She tried, but we didn't let her bully us."

"Good, as long as she didn't bully you." Michael finally relaxed.

"Is Ms. Runyon really your junior?" Isabella asked hesitantly.

Michael shrugged, "She says so, but I don't remember her. When I was at Celestial University, I was already starting my business and rarely attended social events. She's two years behind me; how could I know her?"

"If you don't know her, how does she know you?" Isabella asked curiously.

Michael smirked, "Because I'm outstanding. Even if I don't know her, it doesn't stop her from knowing me. I was sitting here waiting for you, and she approached me, introduced herself. I didn't seek her out; she came to me."

"So, why did you let her approach you this time?" Isabella asked playfully.

"Because her last name is Runyon," Michael smiled, "I didn't expect her to be Leroy's cousin, Leroy's uncle's daughter."

"I knew you wouldn't let her approach you for no reason," Isabella said.

Other women who approached Michael never got a warm reception. But he treated Aria differently, and there had to be a reason!

"You're not jealous, are you?" Michael asked quickly.

Isabella smiled, "Of course not. I'm not that petty. But who was that girl with her? Why was she so arrogant? Is she also from the Runyon family?"

"No, Aria introduced her, but I didn't pay attention," Michael said. If he had known she bullied Isabella, he would have remembered her name. Remembering her name would help him get revenge!

"She's definitely not from the Runyon family," Isabella said. That girl was so arrogant, unlike Leroy and Courtney. Aria was gentle and polite, much like Leroy and Courtney.

"Leroy is very guarded with us. Maybe we can find a breakthrough with Aria," Michael said.

Isabella nodded; for now, they had to start with Aria. Leaving the restaurant, Michael planned to call Aria once they got back to the hotel. Unexpectedly, Aria called first. Michael showed Isabella the caller ID before answering slowly.

"Michael, I'm really sorry about earlier. My friend didn't mean it. I asked her, and she said your wife bumped into her at the restroom, which made her rude. I've already talked to her. Michael, please don't be mad." Aria apologized.

Michael replied, "It seems your friend didn't tell you the truth. You're so kind and pure; you need to be careful with your friends. People with such character aren't worth keeping close."

"Thank you for the advice. I'll think about it." Aria thanked him awkwardly.

"Do you have time tonight? We didn't get to chat properly earlier. If you're free, my wife and I would like to invite you to dinner." Michael offered.

"I have time, definitely." Aria quickly replied. But she soon added, "I'm from Silvermist City, Michael. Since you're here, I should be the one to host. Let me book a restaurant and send you the details."

"Alright, I'll accept your hospitality," Michael agreed without arguing. The goal was to get to know her better; it didn't matter who paid.

After Michael hung up, Isabella teased him, "I didn't expect her to agree so easily."

Michael cleared his throat and said seriously, "Of course. I'm her senior, inviting her to dinner. She'd definitely agree. But I told her it's us as a couple inviting her, so if she had any thoughts about me, she should drop them."

"You really don't care if she gets hurt, huh?" Isabella teased.

Michael hugged her and whispered in her ear, "I only care if you get hurt."

"Ms. Taylor..."

Aaron suddenly walked in, blushing at the sight and quickly looking down. Isabella, feeling embarrassed, pushed Michael away and asked Aaron, "What's up?"

"Nothing urgent. It can wait." Aaron said awkwardly, heading out.

"Just say it. It's more awkward if you don't." Isabella said, still embarrassed.

Aaron coughed to cover his embarrassment and said, "The front desk called. A gentleman wants to see you."