Chapter 303

After wrapping everything up, Michael glanced at Isabella's sleeping face and smiled softly.

Out of nowhere, Michael's phone buzzed. It was Jerry.

Michael frowned, quickly silenced his phone, and slipped out of the bedroom.

He answered, and Jerry's voice came through.

"Mr. Williams, Estella called. She said Zoey and Isabella had a spat today because Zoey thinks Isabella and Bianca messed with her daughter," Jerry reported.

Estella had planned to call Michael herself but decided it wasn't urgent enough to risk annoying him, so she called Jerry instead. Smart move. Even though she felt bad for Zoey, she knew where her bread was buttered.

After filling him in, Jerry chuckled. "Mr. Williams, what do you think of Estella? She's sharp and level-headed. We already knew about the stuff she reported, but I'm impressed with how she handled it."

"Are you sure you know everything?" Michael asked with a sly smile.

Jerry was caught off guard. "Mr. Williams, do you think Estella's holding back?"

Michael shook his head, still smiling. "Not that she's hiding anything, but we can pick up some clues from her chat with Zoey."

"Like what?" Jerry asked, puzzled.

"Didn't Estella mention it? Zoey suspects Bianca had a hand in her daughter's mess. This backs up our earlier hunch. Could a pissed-off mom like Zoey have set up the car explosion that involved John?" Michael said.

Jerry was stunned for a moment. He suddenly remembered the car explosion case involving John, a big deal with no suspects found. The cops later ID'd three missing hotel employees, all wanted criminals last seen in a Brown Family-controlled area, but they vanished into thin air.

Some folks pointed fingers at Paxton, but he'd never admit it, and the cops wouldn't easily link it to the Brown Family. The area where the thugs were last seen was just a minor part of the Brown Family's empire. With the four major families running so many businesses in this city, it's tough to pin down which family might be involved just based on where the thugs showed up.

Michael and Jerry had also dug up a nasty incident in a Brown Family apartment where three people were burned to death. No one connected them to the explosion suspects, which screamed foul play.

"Tell Estella to keep in touch with Zoey. And give her a pat on the back from me; she did great today." With that, Michael hung up.

That night, Estella was over the moon when she got a call from Jerry.

"Mr. Williams is really happy with your work today. He's decided to invest more in you and wanted me to give you a pat on the back," Jerry said coolly.

Hearing Jerry's praise, Estella was almost in tears. Finally, she had made the right move.

"Got it, Jerry. Please tell Mr. Williams I'll work hard on everything he gives me." With that, Estella hung up.

"Sorry, Zoey. You're using me, but I'm using you too. Sympathy alone won't get me a better life! We're in different leagues. So don't blame me," Estella whispered to herself.

Meanwhile, Isabella woke up the next day and started getting ready. She had something big today.

As the new CEO of the Taylor Group, she had to hold a press conference. Even though the family had seen better days, it still caught the media's eye.

When Isabella was ready and came out to the living room, Michael had breakfast waiting for her.

"Morning, babe. Ready to face the media?" Michael asked, handing her breakfast with a smile.

Isabella nodded confidently. "I've been dealing with reporters since I could walk and talk, even in diapers."

Michael chuckled, "Well, I'll be watching your live broadcast on TV. If you need help, just call me with a hidden earpiece, and I'll guide you."

Rolling her eyes, Isabella said, "I don't need you to teach me! By the way, are you sure you don't want to work at my company?"

This was the second time Isabella had asked him.

Michael shook his head. "Babe, give me some time to think it over. Your company isn't going anywhere."

Isabella nodded. "Okay, I respect your choice."

After quickly finishing breakfast, Isabella heard a car honk outside. It was her driver, Leo, ready to pick her up.

"Alright, babe, I gotta go. Don't forget to watch the live broadcast." Isabella kissed Michael on the cheek and headed out the door.

Michael waved as the car drove off, then settled back on the sofa.

This time, Michael called another subordinate.

"How did the investigation go? Can you confirm if Carol was supported by the charity fund?" Michael asked.

The person on the other end replied, "I infiltrated the charity fund now controlled by the Brown Family and found Carol's file. Mr. Williams, everything you asked me to check out is true."