Chapter 426

John filled Bianca in on his project with Paxton. While he was in the shower, Bianca pulled out her secret phone.

She dialed a number and spilled everything John had just told her.

"Well, I see. I've set up a fake diary. When Paxton digs into it, he'll find it and think Isabella brought the killer into the country," the guy on the other end laughed darkly.

Bianca raised an eyebrow and asked, "How can you be so sure Paxton will buy that the fake diary is legit?"

The guy on the phone replied coolly, "Mix a little lie with a lot of truth. Paxton will fall for it."

Bianca hesitated. The rumored diary listed all the illegal contacts for getting people out of the country. If he really wanted to add Isabella's info, he'd need a ton of real data on those shady characters.

"How'd you get all that info on the illegal contacts?" Bianca asked, curious.

The guy went quiet for a moment before snapping, "Don't push it. That's not something you need to know. I have my ways."

Rolling her eyes, Bianca said, "I was just curious. No need to get all secretive."

"Curiosity killed the cat. And cats have nine lives. You only have one. Got it?" he said coldly.

Bianca felt a surge of anger. She had a lot of nasty things she wanted to say, but with her mom in his grip, she had to keep it together.

After he hung up, Bianca hid her phone again.

Just then, John came out of the bathroom, towel-drying his hair, looking at Bianca with a puzzled expression.

"I thought I heard you talking to someone while I was in there. Did I imagine it?" John asked, confused.

Bianca's eyes flashed with panic, but she quickly composed herself.

"I was talking to someone-our baby," Bianca said, sitting on the bed and gently rubbing her belly.

"I told the baby he's going to grow up to be amazing, just like his dad," Bianca smiled at John.

John grinned, sitting next to her and touching her belly gently.

"Hey, little one, did you hear what your mom said? She thinks I'm great, and a great man doesn't let his family suffer. You'll be safe and healthy," John said, looking at Bianca lovingly.

Bianca gazed at John with affection. No matter how twisted her plans were, one thing was true: she really loved John.

The next day, after Isabella went to work, Michael called Carol.

Carol got a call from a number she didn't recognize. Confused, she was taken aback by the voice on the other end.

"Joe said you were looking for me? Got something to discuss?" Michael asked, sounding calm.

Carol swallowed hard. Even over the phone, his presence was intimidating, like a lion surveying its territory.

Though the beast didn't roar, its steady gaze made Carol feel the pressure.

She pulled herself together and asked, "Who are you?"

"Knowing my identity won't help you. Just know we're on the same team now," Michael said coolly, hinting at their shared goal of helping Isabella revive the family.

Carol took a deep breath. "I can help you reach the Taylor Family members under the Brown Family's thumb, but I need to see some sincerity. We have our own plans, and you can't interfere. You need to back off immediately."

Michael nodded, "I can do that. But after I show my sincerity, what about yours?"

Carol hesitated. Did they really need to prove themselves more? She'd already helped Isabella take over the company; wasn't that enough?

Michael smirked, a hint of mockery in his smile. "I know you're loyal to Isabella. But the others? Those Taylor folks working with the Browns?" He shook his head. "I can't be sure where their true loyalties lie anymore. People can be bought, Carol. Money changes hearts."

Silence hung on the line as Carol pondered his words.

"We can give you some intel on the senior members of the Brown Family. That's the best we can offer," Carol finally said, revealing their bargaining chip.

Michael raised an eyebrow. Carol's willingness to share info on the Brown Family's top brass showed just how deep their infiltration went and how powerful they were.

"Alright then, let's work together. To avoid any mix-ups, I'll have Joe pass on any messages to you," Michael said before hanging up and calling Jerry to start pulling their people out.

Jerry got the message and began making arrangements.

Not long after, Carol got feedback from her colleagues. All the unfamiliar faces at the Brown Family company had vanished.

Carol was blown away by Michael's efficiency. It made her a bit worried and cautious. She could only hope everything was truly for Isabella, as Joe had said.

Carol sent the info she'd gathered to Joe.

Joe passed it on to Michael. Soon after, Michael messaged Joe, telling him to get ready to head to the mine.