Chapter 242

Mason shook his head after hearing John's theory.

"Isabella wouldn't do something like that. Sure, your reasoning makes sense-after Jasper and Mia died, everything went to Isabella. But knowing her, I still don't think she'd do something like that, even if there was only hatred left between her and Jasper and Mia," Mason said, sticking to his guns.

John smirked at Mason and shot back, "Grandpa, Isabella isn't the girl you remember. She's sly as a fox now, and as ruthless as a wolf! Or maybe calling her a sneaky snake is more accurate."

Mason's brows knitted together. "Isabella's not that kind of person; she'd never hurt her own parents."

John looked at Mason with disappointment and sighed, "Grandpa, sometimes I wonder who you really think is your grandchild, me or Isabella? Why do you believe her more than me?"

Mason fell silent for a moment, mulling over John's words.

Instead of answering, Mason turned to Michael. "What do you think? Could Isabella be behind this?"

Michael shook his head. "Mason, I've checked all of Isabella's accounts. The biggest recent expense was refueling at a gas station. Her balance isn't more than 2 million dollars, and there hasn't been any big drop. I can't see how she could've hired thugs to go after her parents."

"Maybe she has secret accounts, like Jasper and Mia had at Azure Bank," John said coldly, crossing his arms.

John's face darkened at the mention of Jasper's name. He never expected Jasper to embezzle so much money! If Bianca got shares from Jasper, it meant she had to help cover up the embezzlement. Otherwise, Bianca might end up in jail.

Mason, always composed, looked at John and asked, "If Jasper contacted you recently and agreed to transfer the shares to you, would you help cover up the embezzlement?"

John shook his head. "We promised not to give any financial help to Bianca and Isabella."

Mason nodded with a smile. "I'm glad you remember our bet. It seems it's still on."

Mason then turned to Michael. "You heard that, no financial help for Isabella."

Michael shrugged helplessly. "The money's no use unless we get that share transfer agreement from Jasper. Otherwise, even if I wanted to help cover the money, she has no shares to use."

A sudden thought hit John, and he looked sharply at Michael. "Michael, Bianca was attacked today. Was it your people?" John asked coldly.

John initially thought it was Isabella's doing, but something in her tone made him think there might be someone else involved.

Michael met John's gaze without flinching. "If I wanted Bianca dead, I wouldn't have waited this long. She's like a cockroach to me, easy to squash."

"I won't let you talk about her like that," John snapped, his voice cold as ice.

Michael looked at him calmly. "And what are you gonna do about it? I can insult you too, if I want."

John clenched his teeth but held back, knowing he might not stand a chance against Michael.

"Enough! If you two keep at it, it'll be a laughing stock for everyone to watch our family in this mess," Mason barked, slapping the sheets in anger.

Michael and John looked away, avoiding each other's gaze.

Mason turned to Michael. "Michael, was it you? Just give me a straight answer, yes or no."

Michael, steady as ever, shook his head. "It wasn't me."

Mason then looked at John. "I believe Michael. He has no reason to lie about this. Like he said, Bianca means nothing to him. There's no need to stir up trouble over this."

John nodded silently, agreeing with Mason's logic.

"Oh, by the way, my guys found traces of the Brown Family near the abandoned factory," Michael suddenly announced.

John looked at Michael in shock, and Mason's face showed the same surprise.

"Are you sure the Brown Family was there?" Mason asked, puzzled.

Michael nodded. "I'm sure. My men have run into the Brown Family before and recognized some familiar faces, probably sent by Paxton. But I still don't get why they're involved in this."

Michael's words left John and Mason speechless, the unexpected involvement of the Brown Family adding a new twist to their family drama.

Meanwhile, at the hospital, Paxton waited anxiously outside the operating room, leaning on his cane.

Just then, the door opened, and the doctor wheeled Pearl out.

"Mr. Brown, the surgery was successful. Once she wakes up, you can ask her some simple questions," the doctor said, giving Paxton some good news.

"Thank you, doctor!" Paxton shook the doctor's hand and watched as Pearl was taken to the ward.

Paxton waited outside the ICU for nearly ten hours. Finally, Pearl began to stir, slowly regaining consciousness.

The doctor brought protective gear for Paxton. "Mr. Brown, you can go in now and ask a few questions, but for her safety, we have to be there with you."

Paxton nodded, and after putting on the gear, he entered the ICU with the doctor.

He looked at Pearl's frail form, his eyes filled with deep sorrow.

Taking a deep breath, Paxton spoke, his voice trembling. "Pearl, can you hear me? It's your father."

Pearl, lying on the bed, trembled slightly. A faint smile appeared on her lips, showing her excitement at hearing a familiar voice.

"Mr. Brown, you can ask one more question, but be careful. Too much stimulation could be harmful," the doctor warned sternly.