Chapter 227

After Michael's convincing pitch and some deep thinking, Isabella finally got on board with the plan.

At first, Isabella wanted to call Mason to fill him in, but Michael stopped her.

"Mason's in the hospital. At his age, he needs his rest. Calling him now might just stress him out. Let's wait until we have Jasper, then we can take him straight to Mason," Michael suggested.

Isabella nodded, seeing the logic in his words.

She was gonna do it herself, but Michael insisted on taking the lead.

"Reporters are all over you, and you're up against Bianca. John's probably keeping an eye on you too. It's better if I handle this. They don't know me, so it'll be easier," Michael said with a grin.

Isabella mulled it over and agreed it made sense.

Meanwhile, John met up with Bianca and spilled the beans about his bet with Mason.

"Sweetheart, I'm so touched you'd make such a big bet for me," Bianca said, her eyes tearing up.

Lying in bed with Bianca snuggled against him, John said coldly, "My grandfather told me not to use my resources to help you, but he underestimated me. I don't need money to help you. My reputation alone will make Jasper hand over the shares."

Bianca had been worried if John could really help, but his words put her at ease. Even if he couldn't help out in the open, he'd have her back behind the scenes.

"Thank you, darling. I'll make sure to show my gratitude," Bianca said with a seductive smile, then disappeared under the covers.

John soon let out a satisfied moan.

Everyone was gearing up for Jasper's release from the detention center.

Time flew by, and soon it was the day Jasper and Mia were to be released.

As the detention center gates swung open, Jasper and Mia stepped out into the sunlight, feeling a wave of relief.

Originally, netizens had been trashing Jasper and Mia, but after Odette's murder, everyone's focus shifted to the murder case, and no one paid attention to the couple who had harmed their daughter.

"Sweetie, you said John would buy your shares. When's he coming? We need to get out of here ASAP. I've already planned where we'll go next!" Mia said, her face lighting up with excitement.

Jasper looked at Mia, a strange look in his eyes.

"He should be here soon," he said, looking away.

Not long after, a black sedan pulled up. A young guy wearing sunglasses, Mike Runyon, rolled down the window and waved at them.

"Are you Mr. and Mrs. Taylor? Mr. Williams sent me to pick you up," Mike said with a friendly smile.

"Why didn't John come himself?" Jasper asked, feeling a bit miffed.

Mike shot Jasper a quick look of disdain but kept his smile. "Haven't you been keeping up with the news? Mr. Williams and Isabella are caught up in a murder case. Reporters are all over them. Do you really want Mr. Williams to bring the press here?"

Jasper and Mia exchanged confused glances. Clearly, something big had gone down while they were locked up.

"A murder case? Who got killed?" Mia asked, curious.

Mike started to answer, then thought better of it and pointed to the back seat. "Why don't you hop in the car first? We can talk on the way. It'll save time."

Realizing they were on a tight schedule, Mia and Jasper figured it was best to sign the contract, get the money, and get out of the country fast.

They quickly got into the back seat. As Mike started the car, he filled them in on what had happened.

"So, Bianca teamed up with Isabella's colleagues to mess with her, but Isabella found out and called the cops. One went nuts, the other died, and now the media thinks Isabella did it? Isabella didn't do it! She's changed, but she doesn't have the guts to kill. Her husband... that's a different story," Jasper said with a sneer.

Mia clung to Jasper's arm, nodding. "That jerk once tricked us into the countryside and tied us to a tree! He's a brute. He's probably the one who messed with Pearl, too."

Mia's motherly love had long since turned into resentment towards Isabella and Michael.

Mike glanced at the couple in the rearview mirror, a hint of contempt and coldness in his eyes.

Suddenly, a car sped up behind them and rammed into their vehicle.

Mike was startled, glaring at the car driving alongside them. He rolled down his window and shouted, "Are you blind? Watch where you're going!"

Jasper and Mia, curious, lowered their windows to see what was happening.

The car next to them also rolled down its window, and a man leaned out from the passenger seat, shouting, "Mr. Taylor, Mrs. Taylor! You've been tricked! We're the ones Mr. Williams sent. This guy is an imposter, sent by your daughter!"

Jasper and Mia's faces turned pale as they looked at Mike.

Mike quickly rolled up the window and said, "Don't listen to them! I'm with Mr. Williams! They're the fakes!"