Chapter 127
Mason watched John's face closely, knowing the guy was definitely hiding something. But since John wasn't spilling, Mason decided not to push it.
"Think it over. If you want to dig into this, go for it. If not, I'll let Paxton know," Mason said.
John looked shocked. "Didn't you say it's unlikely the Browns did this? Why tell Paxton then?"
Mason squinted. "I have my reasons. Spreading the word about your injury does two things. First, it gives the Browns a sense of balance since they've had a lot of injuries lately and probably hold a grudge against us. Second, it helps steer public opinion. With both heirs hurt and both families denying responsibility, suspicion will fall on the other families. This takes some heat off us for now."
As the head of the Williams Family, Mason was always strategic and resourceful. John's status as the sole heir was prestigious, and no one would believe he got hurt on purpose just to gain sympathy.
Mason wanted to use this incident to sway public opinion in favor of the Williams Family.
John took a deep breath. He wasn't thrilled about it, but since Mason had already made up his mind, he decided to go along with the plan.
"I heard you've been sending people to the prison recently? Are you planning to take care of Bianca?" Mason suddenly asked, his eyes cold.
John felt a wave of nerves because it was true. He had secretly visited Bianca in prison, and she told him she was having a hard time. As a disabled person, she was often bullied by other inmates, so he sent people to protect her.
Mason's gaze was icy. "Didn't you tell me you were planning to pursue Isabella again? Why are you still tangled up with Bianca? I expect more dedication from you. If you're not interested in Isabella, stop bothering her. Your engagement is over."
"I understand, Grandpa. Please give me some time to handle this," John said, lowering his head.
Disappointed, Mason stood up and left the hospital.
Meanwhile, Jerry, after dealing with John, reported to Michael.
Michael acknowledged it and hung up.
Michael was still at the bar, where Amelia and Isabella were hugging and crying at the counter.
"What should I do? I may seem bold, but when it comes to love, I'm a coward." Amelia stopped, thinking about what happened to Isabella, and kept crying, "I can't even protect you, my bestie. I really want to take on John, but I just don't have the guts!"
Isabella cried too, holding Amelia. "Honey, you've done more than enough. My pain shouldn't be yours to bear!"
Amelia kept crying. "But it's okay. I can't mess with John, but I can handle Michael. We're on the same level. If he ever bullies you, just tell me, and I'll take him down for you!"
"Don't worry, I will!" Isabella cried, patting Amelia's back.
Michael rubbed his face in frustration. Just then, someone approached from behind him.
"Why'd you call me here so late? What's going on?" Benjamin appeared behind Michael, but his expression stiffened when he saw Amelia.
Michael glanced at Benjamin. "I remember telling you to treat Amelia well if you like her. But look-she's crying hard like a broken heart."
Benjamin looked embarrassed. "I don't know what's gotten into her today. I think she's even harder to read than Isabella."
"That's how love is. The more you care about her, the harder it is to understand her. You overthink every word, fearing it might hurt her, and end up lost," Michael said calmly.
Benjamin stared at Michael in shock. "Damn, did I just hear that from you? Did an alien take over your body?"
Michael shot Benjamin a cold look and took out his phone. "Amelia and Isabella kicked me out while they cried together. I got bored, so I googled what a husband should do when his wife cries. Everything I just said came from that search."
Benjamin scratched his head awkwardly. "Got it. So, what should I do now? Did the search say anything?"
Michael sighed, running a hand through his hair in frustration. "Just take Amelia home. I need to take Isabella home to sleep."
Benjamin nodded reluctantly and walked over to Amelia and Isabella with Michael.
"Alright, enough crying. We need to go home," Michael said, lifting Isabella into his arms.
"Why are you taking Isabella? She's mine. You can't take her away. I'm not done crying with her," Amelia wailed, holding Isabella's hand.
"I don't want to leave you either, my dear Amelia," Isabella said, holding Amelia's hand back.
"Enough, let's go home. I'll cry with you there," Benjamin said, separating their hands and dragging Amelia out of the bar.
Michael let out a sigh as he looked at Isabella, her eyes still brimming with tears. He gently lifted her up and escorted her out of the bar.
Once they were in the car, Isabella wiped her tears and asked, "Is Benjamin the one making Amelia cry?"
Michael was stunned, looking at Isabella's clear eyes. "Were you pretending to be drunk?"
Isabella nodded. "Didn't I tell you before? I can hold my liquor well! Amelia didn't get drunk, so how could I?"
"Then why were you crying with her?" Michael asked, feeling frustrated. He had really thought Isabella had gotten drunk and had an emotional breakdown.
Isabella rolled her eyes. "You just don't understand the bond between women! Now, tell me, was it Benjamin who upset Amelia? I've always felt there's something off about their relationship."