Chapter 133

Michael was just about to head out for work when his phone buzzed. It was Isabella.

When she started asking about the wine, he couldn't help but chuckle.

"Seriously, you don't know which winery makes that wine?" Michael asked, still laughing.

Isabella frowned. "The wineries I know are all in Solstice. I'm clueless about the ones in Seraphim. I thought you might know, so I called. What's so funny?"

She was starting to get annoyed, thinking he was making fun of her.

After a good laugh, Michael said, "Wow, you're clueless! You don't need me; you can totally handle this yourself."

"Is it sold in this city? Just give me the address, and I'll go grab a bottle." Isabella pulled out a pen, ready to jot it down.

Michael shook his head. "Okay, okay, I'll cut it out. Remember the winery Scarlett gave you as an apology?"

"Yeah, I remember, but I'm not really into wine, so..." Isabella's eyes suddenly widened as it hit her.

"Don't tell me that wine is from my winery!" she exclaimed, jumping up from her chair.

Michael nodded. "Yep. As the owner, you can have as many bottles as you want."

Isabella couldn't help but laugh and facepalmed. She'd been searching high and low for this wine, only to find out it was from her own place.

"But can they get it to me in time? I need it by tomorrow afternoon," she said, starting to worry.

Michael thought for a moment and then smiled. "Jerry's flying back tonight. I can ask him to bring it."

"That's awesome, thanks, Michael!" Isabella said, her voice full of relief.

"Just a 'thanks'? Is that all I get?" Michael's voice had a teasing tone, with a hint of something more.

Isabella's cheeks turned pink. "Once I'm done with this project, I'll celebrate with you properly!"

Her voice had a seductive edge that made Michael's heart race for a moment.

After hanging up, Michael took a deep breath to calm down. "Isabella's amazing, but I need to take it easy. Not as young as I used to be."

He gave a resigned pat on his waist and got into his car.

The next day came quickly. Isabella drove to the building where the banquet was happening. She parked by the curb and waited in her car.

She had thought about going inside to find Kevin and Gabrielle, but the event was invite-only, and most of the guests were from the scientific community, a world she wasn't part of.

'Guess I'll have to wait until the banquet's over to find Kevin and Gabrielle and give them the wine,' Isabella thought, tapping her fingers on the steering wheel in frustration.

Truth be told, she was pretty nervous. Dropping by unannounced like this could come off as rude.

Just then, Isabella spotted a car pulling into the parking lot. The person who stepped out was none other than her husband, Michael.

As Michael walked out of the lot, he noticed a familiar car parked by the roadside. He paused, then headed over to Isabella's car.

Michael opened the door and slid into the passenger seat. "What are you doing here? Shouldn't you be at work?"

"I took the day off. I have an important client to meet today. And what about you?" Isabella asked, confused.

Michael pointed to the building. "I'm here for a scientific exchange banquet."

Isabella's eyes widened. "You got an invite to that banquet? But you're not a scientist. How did you get in?"

Michael lightly tapped her forehead. "Don't underestimate me. Remember that time I fixed your computer? I studied physics and information engineering. I'm totally qualified. Plus, a famous chemist friend of mine recommended me."

Isabella's breath caught, a bold guess forming in her mind. She grabbed Michael's hand, anxious. "Is your chemist friend... Kevin, by any chance?"

Michael feigned surprise. "How did you know? Wait, is he the client you're meeting? Why didn't you go inside?"

"Because I don't have an invitation," Isabella said, her face reddening with frustration. She'd spent all day trying to get in, only to realize the solution was right in front of her.

"You have an invitation! Why didn't you tell me earlier?" Isabella playfully slapped Michael's arm, pouting.

Michael shrugged. "You didn't ask."

Isabella bit her lip and glared at him, not saying a word. Michael chuckled, copied the electronic invitation from his phone, and sent it to hers.

"Come on, join me as my plus-one." Michael smiled, got out of the car, and Isabella quickly followed.

"Wait, I need to change. I can't go in dressed like this," Isabella said, looking nervously at her business attire. She worried it might offend Kevin and his wife.

Michael understood. He pointed to his own casual suit and smiled. "Most people here are from the scientific community. They don't have strict dress codes. Some even wear jeans and T-shirts. It's not a formal dinner; just be casual."

Hearing this, Isabella felt relieved. She took Michael's arm, and they walked into the building together.

As soon as they entered the lobby, Michael suddenly slapped his forehead.

"You go up first. I'll catch up. I just realized I need to use the restroom!" Michael hurriedly headed to the restroom.

Once inside, his expression turned serious, and he dialed Jerry's number.