Chapter 225

Michael threw the question back at Mason, his brain already buzzing with calculations.

'Business is war, old man. We've all been through our battles. Trying to test me again? So, if I decide Isabella's on her own and this bet's a joke, you'll just let her sink? Your devotion to her is weird, but I can use that to my advantage.'

Michael's face stayed neutral, but inside, he was grinning.

Mason sighed, realizing his test had flopped again. Michael had dodged the question, and Mason had no answer.

"I can't afford to lose," Mason admitted. "Bianca is too dangerous. John would just keep getting played by her, dragging the family down. So, help Isabella when you need to."

With that, he lay back down. "I'm tired. I need to rest."

"Get well soon," Michael said respectfully, leaving the room.

Michael didn't bother with the lounge. The bet was between Mason and John. It had nothing to do with him.

Once outside the hospital, Michael called Jerry and filled him in on everything.

Jerry was shocked. "Sir, Mason was testing you! He must suspect something between you and Isabella. How should we help her now?"

Michael lit a cigarette, taking a deep drag. Isabella hated the smell of smoke in the house, so he tried to smoke outside whenever he could. He exhaled slowly, the smoke swirling around him.

"Stick to the plan... no, let's ramp it up. Help her even more. We have Mason's permission, after all." Michael's lips curled into a cold smile.

Who said hiding your intentions had to be subtle? A big, flashy distraction worked just as well.

Jerry nodded. "Got it. But it's weird. Why is Mason so concerned about Isabella? If it weren't for his push for her engagement to John, I'd almost think she's his granddaughter."

Michael rolled his eyes, feeling the same frustration. "I'm puzzled too. These old guys all have their secrets. You'll never get the truth out of them."

"Should we investigate?" Jerry suggested cautiously.

Michael thought for a moment, then shook his head. "Better not. Digging up dirt on those old men could kill them."

After giving Jerry his instructions, Michael headed home.

John still had to wait at the hospital for the lawyers.

Meanwhile, Bianca was at home, making a phone call.

"Jasper will be out of detention soon. If he refuses our offer to buy his shares, what's plan B? Maybe we can get rid of Jasper and Mia, then leak the story about Isabella trying to buy shares and getting rejected? That'll make everyone think she's guilty," Bianca suggested, thinking the idea was brilliant.

The voice on the other end of the line laughed coldly. "All you ever think about are these sneaky schemes. Do you really think rumors and public suspicion will bring Isabella down?"

Bianca scowled. "Then what do you suggest? Isn't my plan good? If we get rid of Jasper and Mia, Isabella would inherit their shares. She's publicly stated she wants nothing to do with them, so she wouldn't keep the shares. They'd go to other Taylors, making it easier for us to reclaim them."

The voice on the phone was scathing. "It's not that simple! Have you learned nothing from your past failures with Isabella? She could easily tell the media she's inheriting the shares to honor her grandfather's legacy. She's cutting ties with her parents, not her grandfather. It might draw some criticism, but it's a perfectly reasonable move."

Bianca bit her lip, unwilling to believe Isabella would outsmart her yet again. She still saw Isabella as the naive girl she once knew.

"Your idea was stupid, but it did give me a better one," the voice said, a hint of excitement creeping in.

Bianca was surprised. "What idea?"

"When Jasper and Mia get out, I'll arrange an attack on them. You and John will swoop in and 'rescue' them. This will create a sense of urgency. When you then offer to buy their shares, Jasper will likely agree," the voice explained.

Bianca's eyes lit up. "Perfect! This'll totally work! Let's go with it."

While the various factions were making their moves, another family had also noticed Jasper and Mia's impending release.

Paxton stood outside the ICU, his face grim as he watched Pearl suffer.

A subordinate approached. "Mr. Brown, we still haven't found Odette's killer. But there's speculation online that Isabella's mysterious husband might be involved. Our investigation suggests John's the one who leaked this information, but Mason was displeased and had the troll farm reported."

"So, the Williams Family is infighting?" Paxton's lips twisted into a smile.

The subordinate continued, "Also, the private detective you hired to follow Isabella reported that she visited Jasper in detention. Shortly after, Bianca and John also visited him. The detective bribed a guard and learned it was about the Taylor Family's shares."

Paxton's expression shifted. "The Taylor Family only has three failing companies left. Are they really worth investing in? Or is there some hidden value I'm unaware of?"

His eyes narrowed. The Browns had knocked the Taylors off their perch to become one of the top four. If the Taylors still had secrets, he wanted in on it.

"Order our people to keep a close watch on Jasper," Paxton commanded coldly.