Chapter 400 Meeting

Aria sent the restaurant location to Michael, and he brought Isabella along for the meeting. 

When they saw Aria approaching gracefully, both Isabella and Michael were a bit surprised.

Earlier that afternoon, Aria had been dressed in sportswear, her long ponytail tied high. Isabella had thought Aria looked quite pretty, but not particularly stunning. 

Now, however, Aria's long hair cascaded down to her waist, and she wore a form-fitting, off-white dress that accentuated her graceful figure. A pearl necklace and matching earrings highlighted her glowing complexion, revealing her as a true beauty.

"Sorry, I got stuck in traffic and I'm late." Aria apologized.

Michael smiled slightly and said, "No worries, we just got here ourselves."

"Michael, I heard you've been in Silvercrest City all this time. What brings you to Silvermist City?" Aria asked curiously.

"You know I've been in Silvercrest City?" Michael raised an eyebrow.

Aria laughed awkwardly and explained, "Michael, you've always been a legend among our classmates. I've heard them mention you occasionally. They said you're the heir to the Johnson family in Silvercrest City and that you'd likely take over the family business."

Michael replied, "I have indeed taken over the family business. I'm now the chairman of the Johnson Group. This trip to Silvermist City is to inspect a new project, and I brought my wife along for a little getaway."

"We used to wonder what kind of woman someone as outstanding as you would be interested in. Turns out, it's someone as gentle and beautiful as Mrs. Johnson," Aria said with a smile, looking at Isabella.

Isabella blushed slightly and extended her hand to introduce herself, "Ms. Runyon, you're too kind. I'm Isabella Taylor."

"I'll call you Ms. Taylor then," Aria said, shaking Isabella's hand. "Ms. Taylor, you're very beautiful and seem gentle and kind. You and Michael make a great pair."

"Isabella and I fell in love at first sight," Michael said proudly, wrapping his arm around Isabella's shoulder and looking at Aria with a smug expression. "I never thought I'd believe in love at first sight until I met Isabella. That's when I realized you can truly fall for someone at first glance."

"You two are really enviable," Aria sighed. "There are many love-at-first-sight stories, but few end in marriage. Michael, you and Ms. Taylor are truly fortunate."

"Enough about us, Aria. Tell us about yourself. Where are you working now? Do you have a boyfriend?" Michael asked.

Aria quickly replied, "After graduation, I returned to the country and now work at the council. Most of my family members are in government positions, so I followed that path to avoid disappointing them. As for a boyfriend, I don't have one yet. I haven't met the right person."

When she mentioned "boyfriend," Aria glanced at Michael with an ambiguous look in her eyes. 

Michael pretended not to notice and said with interest, "I have a friend who's a hospital director. He's got a great personality and looks good too. He's about your age and would be a good match. If you're interested, I can introduce you."

Isabella looked at Michael in surprise. When they discussed this at home, he only mentioned trying to build a good relationship with Aria for future meetings. 

He never said anything about introducing her to a boyfriend, especially Terry. This was the first time she heard him praise Terry.

"Michael, are you really gonna set me up with a boyfriend?" Aria asked, her smile tinged with bitterness.

"It's just a suggestion. If you're interested, you can meet him." Michael responded casually.

Aria quickly declined, "Thanks, but no need. I already have someone I like, though I haven't told him yet, so I'm not interested in anyone else."

"Anyone you like must be pretty special. Guess I was meddling." Michael said, sounding a bit regretful.

Aria quickly said, "Not at all. I'm really happy that you're thinking about me. This toast is for you and Ms. Taylor."

She raised her glass to toast Michael and Isabella. 

Michael raised his glass to clink with hers, then picked up another glass and clinked it with Aria's, explaining, "My wife can't drink right now, so I'll drink for her."

Aria lowered her eyes and nodded gently, feeling a mix of emotions. 

She understood what Michael meant by Isabella not being able to drink. 

She hadn't expected that while she hesitated, Michael not only got married but his wife was also pregnant.

Aria suppressed her feelings and chatted with Michael about their time studying at Celestial University.

 Although they didn't know each other abroad, they shared many common memories. Michael talked about various topics, and Aria knew them all, speaking confidently. Isabella couldn't join the conversation, so she stayed quietly on the side.

Aria looked apologetically at Isabella and asked, "Ms. Taylor, do you find our study abroad talk boring?"

Isabella quickly said, "Not at all. You two go ahead. Listening to your conversation is quite interesting."

"Ms. Taylor is really gentle and considerate." Aria praised.

Isabella had a sudden idea and smiled, "Speaking of gentle and considerate, I thought of someone who also has the last name Runyon. It seems girls with the last name Runyon are all beautiful and kind-hearted."

"Ms. Taylor, you know another girl with the last name Runyon?" Aria asked curiously.

Isabella nodded and explained, "Yesterday, Michael and I attended a school event for a friend's child. A lovely girl at the school helped us a lot. Her name is Courtney Runyon. Do you know her, Ms. Runyon?"

"Of course I know her," Aria laughed. "Ms. Taylor, you're talking about my cousin. Courtney is my uncle's daughter."

"She's your cousin? What a coincidence! She helped us so much yesterday, but we didn't get a chance to thank her. Ms. Runyon, could you help us arrange a meeting so we can thank her in person?" Isabella asked.

Aria said, "There's no need to thank her in person. Courtney loves helping others and wouldn't mind. I'll pass on your thanks next time I see her."

Isabella smiled awkwardly and nudged Michael's foot, giving him a look to prompt him to speak.

Michael frowned slightly, not fully understanding, but he cleared his throat and said, "Since she's your cousin, would it be possible to invite her to join us for dinner? It would be a good opportunity to thank her."

"Now? I'm afraid that's not possible. My uncle dotes on her. She's still young, and he wouldn't let her out this late," Aria said. As they spoke, they heard a girl's surprised voice.

"Aria?"

Then, Courtney, dressed in sportswear, ran over excitedly to Aria.

Aria looked at her in surprise and laughed, "What a coincidence! What are you doing here?"