Chapter 402 Position

"Michael, check it out! I got it!"

Isabella hopped into the car, practically bursting with excitement as she showed off the hair she had snagged, holding it out to Michael like it was a prized trophy.

"Nice work," Michael said, running his fingers through Isabella's hair and letting out a relieved sigh. "Finally, we got it. I'll get someone to analyze it right away, and we'll have the results soon."

Just then, Michael's phone buzzed. It was Aria calling. He handed the hair to Aaron before answering. As he listened, his face twisted into a puzzled expression. After hanging up, Isabella asked curiously, "What's up?"

Michael looked at her with a strange expression and said, "Aria mentioned that Courtney wanted her to tell you that Leroy not only likes books but also collects antiques. Did you ask Courtney about Leroy's interests?"

Isabella quickly explained, worried that Michael might get the wrong idea.

"You've put in the effort, Isabella," Michael said, touching her hair affectionately.

Isabella swatted his hand away, a hint of jealousy in her voice. "You and Ms. Runyon seemed to be getting along pretty well. I thought you had a lot of history with her, given how much you had to talk about."

"Not at all. I was just keeping her busy so you could talk to Courtney. You get nervous when you lie, and chatting with her was a real pain for me. But at least we got what we needed, and we won't have to deal with her again."

Michael frowned, clearly annoyed by the conversation with Aria. Isabella laughed at his expression and said, "Alright, I believe you. You don't need to say all this just to make me happy."

"I'm being straight with you, not just trying to make you happy," Michael said, placing his hand over his heart. "I swear, I won't see her again."

"I doubt it. My gut tells me Ms. Runyon's got a crush on you. Michael, I bet she'll ask you out again."

"I don't think so. She's from the Runyon family, a well-known socialite. Even if she had feelings for me before, I told her I'm married. She shouldn't be into me anymore, so she won't ask me out."

"Let's make a bet, honey! If I win, you have to do something for me. If you win, I'll do something for you," Isabella suggested playfully.

Michael gently pinched her cheek, pretending to be annoyed. "I'm your husband. Is this how you bet with your husband? Or are you planning to lose on purpose?"

"Who says I'll lose?" Isabella said confidently. "I might win."

"Would you be happy if someone liked your husband?" Michael asked, exasperated.

"Why not? If such an amazing woman likes my husband, it means I have good taste. The only one who'd be unhappy is her."

Isabella said proudly, though the thought of another woman eyeing Michael made her uneasy. Michael noticed the change in her expression and knew she was just putting on a brave face. He quickly changed the subject. "Alright, let's not worry about irrelevant people. Whether she likes me or not, I won't like her. Tomorrow, you're meeting with Calista! What should we do? I don't want to leave you alone, but I don't want to see her."

"If you don't want to go, then don't. Let Penelope come with me. If you're still worried, I can bring a couple of bodyguards."

Seeing Michael's troubled expression, Isabella offered a solution.

"Alright, it's settled then," Michael agreed, secretly relieved.

The next day, Leroy called Isabella to arrange a meeting. When Isabella arrived with Penelope and the bodyguards, Calista hadn't arrived yet. Leroy was alone in the private room.

"Have your people wait outside. I need to talk to you," Leroy said.

Isabella turned to Penelope. "You guys wait outside."

"But..."

"It's okay. Dr. Runyon is trustworthy," Isabella assured her.

Penelope nodded and left with the bodyguards.

Once they were alone, Leroy spoke slowly. "Michael cares so much about your safety. Why didn't he come with you?"

"He's afraid of seeing Ms. Caldwell," Isabella answered honestly.

Leroy shook his head. "He is... Even though he's Calista's ideal type, she won't compete with you for him. His worry is unnecessary."

"Did you ask them to leave just to tell me this?" Isabella asked.

"Of course not," Leroy said seriously. "I know you met with Courtney yesterday. Aria even asked me about our relationship. I don't know how you know her, but I used my uncle's story to deflect her questions. She shouldn't be suspicious. But Courtney... Did you succeed? I won't pursue this matter, but it ends here. Whatever Michael plans to do, don't involve Courtney anymore."

"He has no other intentions," Isabella explained. "He just wants to confirm Mrs. Runyon's identity."

"But what happens after he confirms it?" Leroy sighed. "It's been so many years. Everyone has their own stable lives now. If he insists on uncovering the truth, it might hurt many people."

"Just because it might hurt people, should Michael and the Johnson family endure this pain? Dr. Runyon, I understand your point, but you haven't experienced what Michael has. You can't judge whether his actions are right."

Leroy spoke earnestly. "I'm saying this for your own good. My father has deep feelings for my stepmother, and his personality is different from mine. If it's true, revealing the truth could bring danger to you."

"We know. When Michael decided to do this, he knew there would be risks."

"Knowing the risks, you still support him?" Leroy asked in surprise.

"Of course, I support him. I'm his wife. I'll always stand by him, no matter what."

Leroy sighed, realizing his words were in vain. "Isabella, finally, we meet."

Before seeing her, Calista's distinctive voice came from behind. Isabella didn't need to turn around to know she had arrived.