Chapter 374

Scarlett noticed something off in Ryan's expression and smirked.

"Can't even handle a joke, huh? What makes you think you can compete with your brother?" Scarlett brushed off Ryan's hand.

Ryan's face went back to normal. He stood up, smiled at Scarlett, and said, "We've known each other forever. Why are you always so cold to me?"

"I'm not here for a trip down memory lane. I sold you the info, now pay up. I'm here to collect." Scarlett waved her hand impatiently and stubbed out her cigarette on the table, leaving a burn mark, just like the scars under Ryan's mask.

There was an ashtray right there, but Scarlett seemed set on humiliating Ryan.

Ryan's mouth curved slightly under the mask. He smiled and said, "I won't shortchange you a dime. The transfer's just a bit delayed, not that I won't pay."

As soon as Ryan finished speaking, Scarlett's phone buzzed with a text notification of the bank transfer.

Scarlett checked her phone, put it in her bag, and stood up. "Alright, got the money. I'm out."

After Scarlett left, Ryan walked to his desk and called his assistant. "Get rid of the desk in my office and bring me a new one."

He leaned against the desk and chuckled. "Annoying woman. I'll make you come begging to me someday."

Meanwhile, Michael got a call from Jerry.

Michael was a bit annoyed. He'd just gotten back from overseas and wanted to spend time with Isabella, but now he had to go abroad for work.

"Mr. Williams, you need to handle this personally. We've got too many clients. If we partner with another company, it'll be a huge loss," Jerry stressed over the phone.

Michael replied coolly, "What's the rush? Things aren't that bad. Ryan just wants to annoy me. It's not that easy to steal my clients."

Jerry paused, "Mr. Williams, do you know who's behind this?"

Michael sneered, "As soon as I heard the name Phoenix Flame Group, I knew it was Ryan's company. Calling himself Phoenix, like some demon from fire. Where does he get the nerve? Alright, I'll handle things here quickly."

Michael hung up. Even though he didn't want to leave Isabella, he knew his company needed him.

Isabella was sitting on the sofa, looking at the info Carol sent her, when she saw Michael step out onto the balcony.

Isabella turned to Michael with a smile, "Call over? Got something to tell me?"

Michael sat across from her, grinning. "How'd you know I had something to say?"

Isabella raised an eyebrow. "It's written all over your face. I can tell something's up."

Michael awkwardly touched his nose. "The company needs me to go on a business trip abroad for a few days, so I won't be around."

Isabella suddenly looked at him and placed the documents she was holding on the table. "Do you think I'll miss you a lot?"

Michael nodded. "Isn't it obvious?"

"Alright, you guessed right. I'll miss you a lot." Isabella stood up with a smile, then walked over and sat next to him.

"Since I took over all the shares, you've been helping me so much. But you need to focus on your work too. You can't put everything on me, even though it means a lot. We need personal space to make our love stronger." Isabella looked at him seriously.

Michael got it. She didn't think he was too controlling; she just wanted him to have his own time.

Selfless love is great, but it can also make one feel guilty.

Michael hugged her and kissed her forehead. "Thanks for understanding, darling. I'll miss you a lot while I'm away."

Isabella caressed his waist. "This trip can be a break for you too. When you come back, we'll have a great time together."

Michael gave a wry smile. But as she said, it was also a chance for self-improvement.

"If you run into something you can't handle, call me. Even though I'm on a business trip, you're the most important to me." Michael said seriously.

Isabella nodded. "Don't worry, darling. If that happens, I'll definitely call you."

Michael kissed her forehead again. "Thanks for understanding, darling. You keep busy with work, I'll go pack."

Isabella held his hand. "You men aren't thoughtful enough when it comes to packing. Let me help."

She went to the bedroom and started packing for him, from daily necessities like toothbrushes to underwear, even matching lucky dates and colors.

The next day, with Isabella watching, Michael boarded the plane to go abroad.

Meanwhile, Joseph's plane landed at Lumaria Airport.

Based on the social media pictures Isabella posted, Joseph found the hotel where she was staying. But when he got there, he was told Isabella and the others had already gone home.