Chapter 153

Isabella got what Michael was talking about-her plan to handle the mess her parents had caused.

She had no secrets from Michael, so she laid it all out for him.

Michael rubbed his chin, thought for a bit, and then nodded. "Wow, that's a gutsy move. I didn't see that coming."

Isabella grinned. "If I just wanted to trash their reputation, I'd only get a few likes online. That's not enough for me. I need to wait until things get so bad they can't fix it before I make my move."

Michael pulled her close, looking into her eyes with a soft smile.

"I've got your back," he said, gently running his fingers through her hair.

Isabella nodded and hugged him tight, resting her head on his chest. "Amelia and Benjamin invited us to a vineyard this weekend to pick grapes and make wine. Amelia wants to help me chill out, and I don't want her to worry. Will you come with me?"

Michael nodded. "Sure, but I bet you have another reason for this trip, right?"

Isabella laughed. "You got me. I also want to see if Benjamin and Amelia can hit it off."

Michael kissed her forehead and smiled. "You care a lot about your friend. Aren't you worried she might end up with the wrong guy?"

Isabella playfully tapped his chest. "I think people usually hang out with those who are like them. Since you're such a great guy, I'm sure Benjamin's not too bad."

Michael puffed up a bit. "You're right. He might not be as awesome as me, but he's got about 80% of my qualities."

"And what's missing in that 20%?" Isabella asked, grinning.

Michael's eyes twinkled mischievously. He scooped her up and headed for the bedroom. "In the bedroom department, I'm sure he can't compete with me!"

"Put me down, you rascal! I haven't even had dinner yet!" Isabella blushed and playfully smacked him.

"Don't worry. You won't be disappointed," Michael laughed, kicking open the bedroom door.

Soon, the room was filled with the sounds of their passion.

The next day, at the vineyard, a staff member showed Isabella and her friends around.

"One of our main attractions is hands-on winemaking. You can pick your own grapes, put them in barrels for traditional fermentation, and we'll store them for you. Once the wine's ready, we'll ship it to your home," the staff explained, handing out bags for collecting grapes.

Everyone found the whole grape-picking and winemaking thing pretty cool. Amelia, in particular, was super into it, picking the juiciest grapes she could find.

Even though Isabella owned a vineyard back in Aurora Continent, she'd never actually been there, so this was all new to her.

Michael and Benjamin, on the other hand, had done this kind of thing as kids but hadn't touched it since. It was like a trip down memory lane for them.

While they were picking grapes, Isabella sidled up to Michael and subtly pointed at Benjamin and Amelia.

"Michael, look at them. Why are they pretending not to know each other?" Isabella asked, frowning.

Michael glanced over. Despite being at the same grapevine, Benjamin and Amelia weren't talking, just quietly picking grapes like strangers.

Michael shrugged. "If they were real strangers, they'd keep a safe distance. Standing that close, they're more like a couple having a silent argument."

Isabella raised an eyebrow. "Good point. Do you think we might have a silent argument someday?"

Michael wiped a grape on his shirt and fed it to her. "Our life should be as sweet as this grape. If we ever do have a silent argument, you better tell me. I'll make sure we break the silence in bed!"

Isabella's face turned bright red. She glared at him and spat out the grape skin.

"Should we do something to help them out?" she asked.

Michael shook his head. "I'm brilliant at some things, but relationships? Not so much. If I hadn't met someone as amazing as you, I wouldn't have a clue about love."

Isabella blushed even more, her eyes glowing with happiness. She picked another grape and fed it to him.

"Have you been reading love quotes or something? Why are you so smooth?" she asked.

Michael winked. "I don't read that stuff. Maybe meeting you unlocked a hidden talent. It's a talent just for you!"

Then he suddenly hugged her and kissed her, transferring the grape skin from his mouth to hers.

"Michael, you big kid!" Isabella spat out the grape skin and chased after him.

Michael laughed and dodged her. They played around under the grapevines, looking super happy.

From a distance, Benjamin watched them, his eyes filled with envy.

"Why can't we be like that?" he muttered to himself.