Chapter 224

Michael glanced up at John, giving him a cool look.

"Why do you ask?" Michael asked, a slight smirk on his face.

"He already asked me the same thing," Mason sighed. "But actually I haven't had the chance to do anything yet."

John kept staring at Michael.

Michael's smirk disappeared. "Yeah, you're right. I did it."

"What the hell were you thinking?" John demanded, his anger obvious.

Michael's expression darkened. "Is that how you talk to me? Think your grandpa's too old to keep you in check? Keep that tone, and I might just teach you a lesson myself. And don't think your dad will save you-I'll call him right now!"

John's face drained of color. He remembered Michael beating him up in that bar-vividly. Michael was known for his ruthlessness abroad; this wasn't a joke.

Mason looked at John and said calmly, "Michael does what I tell him. I told him to watch Isabella and keep her safe."

John gritted his teeth. "So you called me here to humiliate me?"

Mason shook his head. "I don't have time for that. I called you here to make a bet."

"A bet?" John frowned, confused.

Michael raised an eyebrow, interested.

"I know your real reason for helping Bianca isn't just love, but also your own ambitions. The Taylor Family may only have three companies left, but it still has some influence. You want to rebuild your power with Bianca and her family's support. That's understandable. So, the bet is about that," Mason explained, a faint smile on his face.

John's mind raced. He remembered Jasper mentioning Isabella had tried to get shares from him. "You want to bet on whether Isabella or Bianca ends up controlling the family?"

Mason nodded. "Exactly. I believe Isabella will come out on top, and you believe in Bianca. Let's make a bet. During the bet, we'll have a truce. Don't start anything with me, and I won't bother you and Bianca."

The offer was tempting. John felt confident he wouldn't lose. "What's the stake? If I lose, do I have to leave Bianca?"

Mason sighed. "Even if I wanted you to, you wouldn't agree. So let's bet something else: ten percent of what we're worth."

John was stunned, and so was Michael.

One-tenth of their assets was substantial, but not something they couldn't handle.

To John, it seemed like an easy win. "Just one-tenth of our assets?"

Mason nodded. "Yes, ten percent. Lawyers will come to notarize our assets to ensure fairness."

John scrutinized Mason's calm eyes. "Alright, if that's all, I'm in."

Mason smiled. "Good. Then wait here for a bit. The lawyers will be here soon."

John didn't object. He glanced at Michael. "What if you and Michael keep helping Isabella? That wouldn't be fair."

Michael shot him a cold look. "If you can refrain from helping Bianca, we won't assist Isabella."

John narrowed his eyes but eventually nodded. "Fine. I won't give her any financial support."

Mason's smile widened. "Then the bet is on. Now, if you'll excuse us, I need to speak with Michael alone."

John left the room, thinking about eavesdropping, but Charles blocked his way, smiling. "Mr. Williams, there's a private lounge for family remembers. You can wait there. I'll have some refreshments brought in."

John glared at Charles before heading to the lounge.

Back in the room, Mason looked at Michael with a knowing smile. "John's playing word games. He said no financial support, but he didn't mention other kinds of help."

Michael chuckled. "There are plenty of loopholes to exploit within and outside the rules."

Mason's gaze hardened. "I don't really care about the outcome of this bet. Whether John succeeds or fails, his actions will benefit the family."

"Then why the bet? Just for fun?" Michael asked, puzzled.

Mason's smile was mysterious. "I want to see if you're truly committed to helping Isabella."

Michael realized this was another test. Mason wasn't convinced Estella was really his wife.

"So, Mason, are you saying you don't need me to help Isabella?" Michael looked puzzled, gazing at Mason.