Chapter 223

Isabella's head jerked up at Michael's words, her eyes wide with surprise.

"What? Bianca met with Jasper? Why would she do that?" she asked, her brow furrowing.

Michael rolled his eyes and shook his head. "How should I know? My buddy said John and Bianca went into Jasper's interrogation room and shut the door. No one else was allowed in, so we have no clue what they talked about."

Isabella's frown deepened as she thought. "Bianca and Jasper have been at odds since the contract issues. This meeting can't just be a casual catch-up; there must be something more to it."

Michael patted her shoulder. "Do you think it's possible that Bianca also wants control of the Taylor Family? She might be eyeing those last three companies Jasper holds."

Isabella pursed her lips, considering the possibility.

Michael stroked his chin and analyzed, "I think it's possible. Think about it: John's with Bianca now, openly defying Mason. If Mason really intends to disinherit John, what do you think John would do?"

"He'll find a new way to stay in power! Bianca's three companies could be his fallback plan. John has invested in those companies before, so he knows them well. If Bianca gains control of them with John's help, the entire family business would end up under John's control," Isabella said, her eyes flashing with determination. "That's not happening. My grandfather worked his whole life for this; he didn't build it to hand it to just anyone."

Michael watched her with satisfaction. With his prompting, she finally understood what John and Bianca were planning.

"John's helping Bianca with her PR, trying to make her look good," Isabella said, her eyes getting icy. "If they trash my reputation, the company's stock will tank. What a snake!"

"So, we need to think about what to do once Jasper gets out of detention. Our previous plan might not work anymore," Michael said, pulling her onto the couch beside him.

Isabella narrowed her eyes, speaking softly, "John and Bianca still haven't locked down Jasper's shares. If I were him, knowing someone wants his failing companies, I'd set a high price! He wouldn't deal with me last time, didn't trust me, hated my guts. Damn, I should've just thrown more money at him instead of ratting him out about that embezzlement."

She slapped her forehead in frustration, and Michael gently rubbed her head. "Don't beat yourself up. I hate seeing you hurt."

Michael gently massaged Isabella's temples as he spoke, "Since Jasper hasn't sold his shares yet, it means he's wary of the evidence you have against him. If he does plan to deal with John, he'll likely take the money and flee the country as soon as he's out."

"We can't let him leave the country so quickly. We need to grab him the second he's free and stop him from seeing John," Isabella said firmly.

Michael nodded, though he had another idea he hadn't voiced: If they could eliminate Jasper and Mia, Isabella would inherit their shares. Despite her public declaration of severing ties with them, she still had inheritance rights. However, this approach would undoubtedly attract scorn and ridicule, which was why Michael hadn't pursued it.

"We need to find a way to stop all this, but how?" Isabella mimicked Michael's thoughtful pose, touching her chin as she thought.

To Michael, the solution seemed straightforward. If they were on his turf, he could simply have Jasper dragged out of the detention center, beaten, and forced to sign over the shares. But this was John's territory, and such violent tactics weren't an option.

However, Michael had another idea: find someone to pose as one of John's subordinates. They could pick up Jasper and Mia from the detention center, then detain and rough them up to force them to sign the agreement.

Just as Michael was about to share his plan, his phone rang.

He glanced at the caller ID, his eyes narrowing slightly. "Honey, I need to take this call. It's from my boss. Keep thinking; I'll be right back."

Michael ruffled Isabella's hair and stepped out of the living room. Isabella barely noticed; she was deep in thought, trying to figure out how to thwart John.

Once outside the villa, Michael answered the call. Mason's tired voice came through. "Michael, come to the hospital. John is here too. I need to talk to both of you."

Michael agreed and hung up.

After the last argument with John, Mason's health had visibly declined.

"Honey, I need to go to the company for a bit. I'll be back soon," Michael said, kissing Isabella lightly on the lips.

Isabella stood up and headed to the kitchen. "Alright, we'll have dinner together when you get back. I'll cook tonight."

"Looking forward to it," Michael smiled, then left the house.

When Michael arrived at the hospital, John was already waiting by Mason's bed.

Michael ignored John and addressed Mason. "Mason, what's this about?"

Before Mason could speak, John cut in.

"Michael, did you report those trolls to the police?" John demanded, glaring at him.