Chapter 852 The Smile Before the Squeeze

Chapter 852 The Smile Before the Squeeze

Olivia and Isabella had been friends for over a decade. Even if Olivia had never married into the Wilson family, she would still have been the one who wanted Isabella's happiness the most.

So when Atticus brought the matter up to her, she agreed almost without hesitation.

As for the other Wilson brothers, they were even less likely to object. If anything, they would be glad for Isabella and Michelle to stay within the Wilson family's reach, where they could shield them from harm. In their minds, that alone could have prevented the kidnapping from ever happening.

The brothers knew the blame for that incident could not fall entirely on Michael, but the events of that day had shaken them to their core. 

If there was one person the five Wilson brothers felt the deepest guilt toward, it was their youngest sister, Grace — Isabella's mother. 

Isabella was her only child. If anything had happened to her during that kidnapping, the brothers knew they would never recover from the loss. And Daniel, on his deathbed, had been most concerned about Isabella's future.

That was why they had been so furious when they learned she had been in danger. For eight months after leaving Michael, Isabella had lived peacefully at the Wilson Villa, her pregnancy progressing without incident. 

Now, with the birth so close, Michael had failed to keep her safe? For anyone, that would be beyond forgiveness.

Isabella caught the undertone in Olivia's words. Her fingers tightened around the handkerchief. "Olivia, are Atticus and the others still angry about the kidnapping? They haven't forgiven Michael, have they?"

The thought had only just occurred to her. The lavish gifts her uncles had given Michelle — each more extravagant than the last — might have been presented in the baby's name, but the message behind them was clear. They weren't just for Michelle. They were a show of strength, aimed squarely at Michael.

They were telling him that Isabella had people who would stand behind her, with or without him. The Wilson family would give her their full support. 

And after Atticus's words tonight, that suspicion was confirmed. Her uncles weren't being subtle. They were warning Michael: if he failed to cherish her, if he failed to protect her like a man should, they would not hesitate to take her away again.

The realization left Isabella torn — moved by her family's quiet devotion, yet helpless in the face of Michael's silence.

Olivia heard the question and lowered her gaze, rubbing the bridge of her nose before answering softly. "It's not my place to speak for them. I can only tell you that Atticus didn't mean anything beyond wanting Michelle to have more love. 

She added, "But you know how your other uncles think. They've carried grudges against Michael for years. Then, right after you remarry, this happens — you nearly bled out in surgery. It's only natural they're holding back their anger."

It was obvious Olivia sided with the Wilson family. Michael had put Isabella through so much in the past — a little hardship for him now was nothing in her eyes. 

Atticus's lack of open blame wasn't forgiveness. It was restraint, for Isabella's sake.

Olivia's view was closer to Kian's and Holden's. 

Kian's decision to lay hands on Michael had been reckless, but none of the brothers had lacked the impulse. They had restrained themselves only because they didn't want Isabella waking to more pain. 

She was their treasure, the niece they had watched grow up. They knew they couldn't dictate her heart; if she chose to trust the man who had once hurt her, they could only accept it.

But what had Michael given her in return? A life where she and her child's safety couldn't be guaranteed. Was that a man worth defending? 

Olivia would never say it aloud — Isabella's heart was too quick to soften toward him. This time, the Wilson family would deliver the warning for her.

Atticus, after finishing his remarks, didn't look around to gauge the reaction. He walked straight to where Isabella and Michael stood. 

His gaze was steady as he addressed Michael. "Michael, this was my decision alone. If you have a problem with it, take it up with me. Isabella had nothing to do with it."

Isabella, now fully aware of her uncles' intentions, stepped forward quickly. "Atticus, I know you want to protect me and Michelle, but things aren't the way you think—"

"Bella." Michael's voice cut her off, firm but calm. 

He turned to Atticus. "I agree with you. I have no objections."

Atticus studied him for a moment, then nodded. "Good."

When Atticus left, Isabella looked at Michael in exasperation. "You can't tell they're putting pressure on you?"

Michael's mouth curved faintly. With one arm holding the sleeping Michelle, he drew Isabella closer with the other. 

His voice was low, warm, and unhurried. "Of course I can. But this is their way of showing they care about you. Seeing how many people love you? That makes me happy."

Isabella let out a breath, caught between laughter and tears. "So you'd rather let them misunderstand you?"

Michael only shook his head, lips pressed together. "Now isn't the right time."

The party went on. After Atticus's words, everyone present understood Isabella's and Michelle's place in the family. 

At first, Michael kept Michelle in his arms, but when guests came over to toast and chat, Isabella took the baby instead.

Michelle was awake now, her big eyes roaming curiously over the bright, bustling room. Far from frightened, she seemed fascinated by everything.

"Our little princess is awake. Let Grandma hold you, hmm?" 

Stella appeared beside them, catching sight of Michelle staring up at the lights. Her face lit with delight as she sat beside Isabella, reaching out.

Without a word, Isabella adjusted her hold, supporting Michelle's head and body as she passed her into Stella's arms. Michelle was too young to fuss over strangers; she accepted the change without a whimper.

Stella, however, was visibly tense — stiff-backed, hardly daring to move, the picture of a woman unused to newborns. The sight was almost comical.

"Mom, you don't have to be so nervous," Isabella said, amused. "Michelle's easy. Just relax."

Stella exhaled, her grip loosening a fraction, though her posture remained cautious. She reached for her bag, then realized she couldn't free her hands. 

"Isabella, there's a box in my bag. Can you take it out for me?"