Chapter 34

Michael paused mid-shave, his mind drifting back to that time he and John spotted Isabella shopping from the car.

John couldn't remember such a minor detail and decided to let it go.

"Hey, Michael, that shaver looks kinda cheap. Why not get a fancier one?" John asked, puzzled.

"This one works just fine and feels good in my hand. Why spend more? Just 'cause I'm rich doesn't mean I'm dumb," Michael replied, giving John a look.

John awkwardly sipped his beer and switched topics, "So, Michael, you going to the banquet?"

Michael glanced at Isabella on the screen, not ready to reveal his identity.

"No, I like staying in the shadows. It's more fun. Plus, I might catch the guy who's after me," Michael said with a confident grin.

John nodded, trusting Michael's instincts. They still hadn't found the mastermind behind the car accident when Michael got off the plane, but Michael was sure it wouldn't be long before he did.

"Alright, I'm off to have dinner with Grandpa," John said, leaving the lounge, annoyed at the thought of sitting with Isabella.

In the banquet hall, Isabella was chatting with Mason. When John walked in, he heard the Williams Family members praising Isabella, calling her the best hostess. Some even said John was lucky to marry her.

John felt irritated, thinking Isabella was the lucky one to marry him. He sat next to Isabella, not really wanting to, but needing to save face after the embarrassment with Bianca.

Owen and Mason didn't know what John was thinking and assumed he was falling for Isabella again, raising their hopes for the marriage.

As soon as John sat down, he felt a chill on the back of his neck. But when he turned around, there was nothing.

In the lounge, Michael stared coldly at the monitor, crushing his beer can.

Isabella ignored John, not even glancing his way. She was more curious about John's uncle, who had helped her several times.

"Mason, when will John's uncle arrive?" Isabella asked Mason.

Before Mason could answer, John snorted, "He's already here."

Isabella still didn't look at John, continuing to ignore him. She turned to Mason, "Mason, do you know where he is? I want to thank him in person."

Mason smiled, "I don't know. Why don't you ask John?"

Mason was trying to get Isabella and John to talk, but Isabella wasn't having it.

John leaned in with a mischievous grin, "Beg me, and I'll tell you where he is."

Isabella frowned, resisting the urge to slap him.

"Keep dreaming if you think I'll beg you, idiot," Isabella scoffed, turning away.

John's position, blocking Isabella, made it look like they were super close, giving everyone the wrong idea about their relationship.

Mia excitedly nudged Jasper, "Jasper! Look at John and Isabella, they're so close!"

Jasper grinned, "I've been saying John has feelings for Isabella. Once she marries into the family, we can finally relax and enjoy life."

Meanwhile, Bianca was gripping her wheelchair's armrest so hard it looked like it might snap. Jealousy burned in her eyes, and if looks could kill, Isabella would be toast.

Isabella turned away from John, deciding to ask the staff about Michael's whereabouts. Just as she was about to approach the staff, she saw Pearl walking over with a glass of red wine. Pearl smiled briefly at John before her gaze landed on Isabella.

Isabella knew Pearl well; the cunning woman was here to provoke her again. Despite this, she was curious to see what Pearl would do this time, especially with Mason watching.

Pearl raised her glass to Mason, "Mr. Williams, happy birthday, and may you stay forever young. I have a little gift for you. I hope you like it."

Mason smiled and thanked Pearl.

Everyone around looked at Pearl with curiosity, wondering what gift she had prepared.

Pearl called a staff member over and presented her gift. "I heard Mr. Williams has recently taken a liking to antiques. I found an antique bronze statue for you. I hope you like it."

Mason opened the exquisite box to find a small, well-preserved bronze statue inside, clearly of great collectible value.

"It seems to be from a couple of centuries ago. Thank you for the gift; I really like it," Mason said kindly, nodding at Pearl.

Seeing Mason's interest, Pearl continued, "I'm glad you like it. It's not expensive, just over thirty million dollars."

Pearl pretended not to care about the price, but her heart was bleeding. Her family's wealth wasn't as strong as the other three major families, so she didn't have as much money as the other heirs. But once she married Michael, she wouldn't have to worry about money.

The best part was that this price would completely overshadow Isabella's gift.

Mason, holding the statue, smiled and said, "You've put in so much effort; I want to give you a fair deal. I agree with what you proposed earlier."

Pearl's face lit up with joy, but Isabella wasn't worried. She had a feeling that John's uncle didn't like Pearl and wouldn't marry her.

Sometimes, Isabella was puzzled. Although she had never met John's uncle, she had this feeling.

Pearl suddenly approached Isabella, smiling, "Isabella, you are the one Mr. Williams cherishes the most. I wonder what gift you have prepared for Mr. Williams?"

Pearl's eyes flashed with resentment as she looked at Isabella. Isabella, seeing Pearl pretending to be innocent, felt disgusted.

'Idiot, do you think Mason is like you, all about the nouveau riche? He values the sentiment of the gift, not the price,' Isabella thought to herself, mocking Pearl in her mind before taking out the gift she had prepared.