Chapter 167
When Mason found out that Isabella's PR team was led by Juniper, he quickly told Charles to bring her in.
Even though Juniper was a big name, it was her first time at the Williams Villa. She kept it cool and didn't let her eyes wander. As soon as she walked in, she spotted Mason chilling on the sofa.
'Michael sure loves to throw curveballs,' Juniper thought. 'I figured handling Isabella was enough, but now I gotta deal with Michael's uncle too. Hope Mason buys what I'm selling.'
"Good morning, Mr. Williams. I've heard a lot about you in the business world. Nice to finally meet you," Juniper said, laying on the charm.
Mason waved it off. "Those were the good old days, nothing special. I'm more interested in you, Ms. Fox."
"And what about me has you so curious? I'm flattered," Juniper joked with a grin.
"Ms. Fox, would you rather stand or take a seat?" Mason pointed to a nearby sofa. Juniper smiled and sat down.
Once she was settled, Mason got straight to the point.
"From what I know, Isabella's current situation shouldn't be enough to afford your PR fees. Why'd you agree to help her? What's in it for you?" Mason asked, eyes locked on Juniper, trying to catch any hint of a lie.
Juniper smiled. "Actually, Isabella hasn't paid me a dime yet. I'm here to ask you for the payment."
Mason was caught off guard, and even John, who was lounging on the sofa, sat up in surprise.
"I don't get it, Ms. Fox," Mason said, frowning.
Juniper kept smiling. "When I saw the news about Isabella, I knew it was a golden opportunity! This case will bring me big rewards, so I approached Isabella myself. I knew she couldn't afford my fees, but you can. You and Isabella are like family, and I believe you'd be willing to cover her PR expenses."
John almost laughed out loud. He thought Juniper must've been paid a fortune to risk ticking him off, but here she was, asking his grandfather for her payment!
"Ms. Fox, you're something else! Coming here to ask us for payment! Aren't you worried we might say no?" John sneered.
Juniper shook her head, still looking at Mason. "Mr. Williams, consider this my gamble-a calculated risk! But I'm confident you'll reward me handsomely."
Mason kept his eyes on Juniper, trying to read her.
After a few seconds, Mason's face broke into a smile.
"Are you sure you can help Isabella out of this mess?" Mason asked, eyeing Juniper.
Juniper nodded confidently. "Piece of cake. I'm 99% sure I can handle it."
Mason liked what he heard. He waved to Charles. "Grab my checkbook."
Charles quickly left the room.
John looked at Mason, clearly annoyed. "Grandpa, are you seriously gonna pay her?"
Mason shot him a look. "Got a problem with that?"
John quickly backed down. "No, just asking. I'll head to my room."
He got up and hurried off, leaving Mason to snort in disdain.
From the moment John walked in, Mason figured he must've had another run-in with Isabella. Useless, as always.
Charles returned with the checkbook, and Mason scribbled down a number, then handed the check to Juniper.
"Ms. Fox, does this amount work for you?" Mason asked with a smile.
Juniper glanced at the check, eyebrows raising.
'Wow, the head of the four major families sure is generous!' she thought, smiling. She was more than pleased with the amount.
"Mr. Williams, your generosity is impressive! I'll make sure Isabella gets through this crisis," Juniper said, bowing respectfully.
Mason nodded, satisfied. "Alright then, I won't keep you any longer. Charles, show her out."
Charles nodded. "This way, Ms. Fox."
After saying goodbye to Mason, Juniper left the Williams Villa with Charles.
Back at her office, Juniper held the check, grinning.
'Getting paid twice for one job feels pretty sweet,' she thought, pulling out her phone to call Michael.
The phone rang twice before Michael picked up. Juniper filled him in on her chat with Mason, just as Michael had suggested, to see if Mason had caught on to something between Isabella and him.
"So Mason bought it and paid you again?" Michael's tone was a bit odd.
Juniper nodded. "Yep, and he was even more generous than you. He paid $2 million more! But think of it as a bonus for my performance. I'm keeping it."
Michael chuckled. He never planned to ask for the money back.
"Got it. You did well. Just remember, don't let Isabella know about my involvement. You know the consequences," Michael said coolly.
"Don't worry, Mr. Williams. I'm a pro," Juniper smiled, then hung up and started planning her next steps.