Chapter 136

Jerry was feeling pretty good about his plan, even though it did kind of intrude on Michael's privacy. He figured Mason, being the sharp guy he was, might actually dig into those personal details.

After making sure Estella wouldn't cause any drama, Michael stepped out and called Isabella, letting her know he'd be working late and wouldn't be home.

Isabella understood and said she'd had a pleasant conversation with Gabrielle, who had invited her to their hotel for a chat.

"Alright, let's go. Time to meet my uncle, Mason. And remember, don't say anything you shouldn't," Michael said, giving Estella a stern look before leading her out.

Estella stuck close to Michael, keeping her head down and staying quiet. She felt a wave of nerves hit her as she got into the car.

During the drive, Michael didn't say a word, and Estella didn't dare ask any questions. She just nervously clutched the hem of her dress to calm herself.

Finally, they pulled up to the Williams Villa.

Once out of the car, Michael bent his arm, and Estella quickly linked hers with his.

Mason and John were at the entrance to greet them. John, who had his leg broken by Jerry last time, wasn't too badly hurt and was now in a wheelchair with a cast.

Feigning surprise, Michael asked John, "What happened to your leg?"

John's face turned a bit awkward.

Mason walked over with a smile and said, "John got drunk and crashed his car. It's nothing serious. By the way, is this your wife?"

Michael glanced at Estella.

Estella smiled and stepped forward to greet Mason. "Hello, Mr. Williams. I'm Michael's wife, Estella Foster."

"Ms. Foster, you're indeed very beautiful. Dinner's ready. Let's head inside and chat," Mason said, inviting them in. Estella naturally linked her arm with Michael's again.

Charles pushed John's wheelchair, following Mason. As Mason turned, he gave Charles a meaningful look, and Charles nodded, understanding perfectly.

Mason's look was a signal for Charles to check if Estella was really Michael's wife. As Mason's long-serving butler, Charles knew exactly what to do.

After Charles wheeled John into the villa, he turned back to start his investigation.

"Hello, Ms. Foster," John said politely, shaking hands with Estella.

Estella was super nervous, but she kept her cool. Aspiring to be an international actress, she had trained her acting skills well.

Mason sat at the dining table and smiled at Estella, asking, "Ms. Foster, how did you and Michael meet? Could you share your love story?"

Michael's face softened with a gentle smile as he looked at Estella. Estella smiled and nodded.

"We first met at a bar..." Estella began, recounting the story Jerry had given her.

When she mentioned how Michael saved her and their second encounter at a banquet, she smiled tenderly at Michael, and he held her hand in response. They looked just like a real couple.

"Ah, a classic hero rescuing the damsel. Sounds like fate had a hand in it," John said, raising his glass with a smile.

Estella raised her glass too, noticing a flicker of disdain in John's eyes when he realized she was just a minor actress.

But Estella didn't let it bother her. Compared to these powerful families, she knew she was small potatoes.

"Michael, let Ms. Foster try this wine. It's from our vineyard, and it's pretty good," Mason said, handing Michael a bottle of opened red wine.

Michael nodded with a smile and poured some into Estella's glass.

Estella instinctively said, "Thank you, Mr. Williams."

Michael's eyelid twitched slightly.

Mason looked at Estella with a smile and said, "You're already married. Why so formal?"

Estella's heart skipped a beat; her response had been purely instinctive.

But Michael quickly smiled and said, "At home, we're much more casual. She's just a bit nervous meeting you for the first time."

As he spoke, he gently squeezed Estella's hand, as if to encourage her. Estella shyly nodded at Mason.

"Sorry, Mr. Mason Williams. I am a bit nervous," Estella said with a smile.

Mason took a sip of wine and waved his hand dismissively. "I'm just an old man nearing the end of his days. What's there to be nervous about? By the way, Ms. Foster, you mentioned you're from the Aurora Continent. You must have met Michael's father, right?"

Estella nodded. "Yes, his father, Kenna, is a very kind and humorous gentleman."

Mason's eyes lost some of their sparkle, as if he was recalling unpleasant memories. He sighed and said, "It's been ages since I've seen my brother, Kenna. The last time was probably when Michael was born - I visited him then. Speaking of which, Michael has a butterfly-shaped birthmark on his buttocks. I thought it was pretty funny back then."

Mason laughed after saying this. Michael's pupils contracted slightly; he had no such birthmark.

Estella smiled and said, "Mr. Williams, are you sure you're not mistaken? Michael doesn't have a birthmark on his buttocks."

Mason looked momentarily confused, then laughed and slapped his forehead. "I'm getting old and forgetful. It was John who has the birthmark, not Michael."

John, sipping his wine, was taken aback. He didn't have a birthmark either. Just as he was about to say something, Mason gave him a stern look. John immediately understood that Mason had his reasons for saying this, so he kept quiet and continued eating.

"We're eating here. Can we not discuss my buttocks? Can't you change the subject?" Michael rolled his eyes, feeling exasperated.

Michael breathed a sigh of relief. Luckily, Jerry had been smart and told Estella some personal things about him. Otherwise, Estella not knowing about the birthmark would've been really suspicious.