Chapter 121

Isabella just wanted to grab her package, but she bumped into John, who had just shown up.

John was just as shocked to see Isabella stepping out of the building right when he was about to look for her.

"Perfect timing," they both blurted out at the same time, then went quiet.

John broke the silence first. "What's the deal with you rejecting my gift and blocking my number? Seriously, who do you think you are?"

John looked pissed and gloomy.

In the past, Isabella would've been scared out of her mind seeing John like this.

She'd have totally freaked, apologized a million times, begged for forgiveness, and even gotten down on her knees-completely humiliated herself.

But now, Isabella was different. She'd learned that love wasn't about giving endlessly and hoping for something in return. It was about mutual feelings, like what she had with Michael now.

"You've got some nerve questioning me. What gives you the right?" Isabella shot John a cold, impatient smile.

"I told you on the phone. I'm married now. Sending me flowers will just cause problems! I'm protecting my own love and marriage! And stop acting all high and mighty. I don't like you anymore. Don't think I'm still the old Isabella," she said, trying to get past John to grab her package.

"Hold it right there!" John, furious, grabbed her wrist.

Isabella felt his strong grip, causing her pain. She snapped, "Let go of me, or I'll call security."

John smirked. "Where do you get the nerve to talk to me like that? Nobody crosses me in this city."

Isabella checked out the guards by the door-they were totally spaced out, staring at the sky. Just like John said, nobody around here was messing with him.

"See that? You'd better just be my woman, Isabella! Your husband might even beg you to be with me once he knows who I am!" John said with a smug grin.

His words made Isabella furious.

"You jerk! Don't you dare insult him!" Isabella spat, slapping John hard across the face.

The slap echoed, leaving John stunned.

The old Isabella wouldn't have dared to even look him in the eye, let alone slap him.

Bullies, when unexpectedly challenged, rarely reflect; instead, they react with anger and a sense of being provoked.

John was that bully right now. His long-term oppression of Isabella had made him forget she was a person with her own will and freedom.

In a fit of rage, John grabbed Isabella by the neck and pinned her against a car.

"How dare you turn me down and raise your hand against me? Who do you think you are? A lowly woman, still pretending to be the affluent heiress you once were?" John spat, his face twisted in anger, completely ignoring Isabella's pained expression.

Isabella struggled to breathe, desperately slapping John's arm, but his grip was like a vise on her neck.

The security guards at the entrance felt uneasy. They were scared of John, but if they didn't do something, they'd be out of a job.

One security guard nervously tried to intervene, while the other ran into the building to inform Dwayne.

Dwayne was on the job when he heard about John choking Isabella. It knocked him sideways.

'Is John out of his mind? Doesn't he know who owns this company?' Dwayne thought as he hurried downstairs to the entrance.

Isabella's breathing was becoming increasingly difficult, and her face had turned pale.

"Mr. Williams, let her go now, or I'll call our boss," Dwayne shouted, grabbing John's hand and pulling it away forcefully.

Isabella finally managed to breathe again, clutching her throat and coughing loudly.

John glared angrily at Dwayne. "Know your place. How dare you stop me?"

Dwayne, unafraid, said coldly, "Maybe my status isn't as high as yours, but I don't think you can harm me."

Dwayne wasn't scared. He worked for Michael and knew Michael's character well.

Michael was a boss who clearly separated work from personal feelings. He wouldn't punish Dwayne for standing up to John.

John understood this too but felt deeply annoyed.

Isabella, having regained her breath, stood up and angrily said to John, "This is the last time, John! I'm telling you, one more time messing with my marriage and I'm going straight to Mason!"

John's face twisted with a sinister smile. Ever since Bianca was imprisoned, he had been in a foul mood.

"Go ahead, call my grandfather. Call him as many times as you want. But don't get too happy. Once I find out who you and your husband really are, I'll destroy both of you!" John spat his threats before turning and walking away.

Isabella watched John's departing figure, a hint of uncertainty in her eyes. She wasn't afraid of John but was worried about what he might do to Michael.

Dwayne gently patted Isabella's arm and asked, "Isabella, are you okay? Do you need me to take you to the hospital?"

Isabella shook her head. "I'm fine, no need for the hospital. But I came down to get a package, and there might be a lot. Could you help me carry some? Of course, I'll give you a thank-you gift."

Dwayne was momentarily stunned, then smiled and agreed. But he didn't take Isabella's words seriously.

When Dwayne moved the 30 phones to Isabella's department, Isabella immediately opened the box.

"This is the latest model, with the highest specs. I hope you like it." Isabella handed the phone to Dwayne, clearly seeing the astonishment on his face.

"Are these phones for real? Oh my God. They just got released! How did you get them?" Dwayne asked, staring at Isabella in shock.