Chapter 47

Isabella and Pearl had no clue that Bianca had set up their whole argument.

Right then, they both spotted Mason at the same time and rushed over to greet him, flanking him on either side.

"Mr. Williams, I admit I might've overreacted a bit, but it's all because of Isabella. The painting she gave you wasn't even hers; it was from John's uncle. I couldn't stand her lying to you; she's just so vain," Pearl said, clinging to Mason's arm and pouting.

Isabella stayed quiet, knowing Mason would clear things up for her.

Mason shook off Pearl's hand, frowning. "I know exactly whose painting it is. Isabella's right. You all mocked her gift for being too simple, so..."

Pearl cut him off before he could finish. "That's impossible. I'm his fiancée; why would he treat me like this?"

Mason's face darkened as he stared at Pearl. "When did you become his fiancée? Why didn't I know?"

Pearl quickly replied, "At the banquet, you mentioned it. Lots of people heard it; you can't deny it."

Isabella looked at Mason curiously. She had also thought Mason had agreed to Pearl and John's uncle's engagement back then.

Mason angrily tapped his cane. "I meant to give you two a chance to meet. When did I ever mention that you two should get married? His father is still alive, and I have no right to decide who he marries. Besides, he's already married."

Pearl's face went pale. She hadn't expected all her efforts to be a joke. Michael was already married, and she'd been dreaming of marrying into the Williams Family.

Someone in the crowd couldn't help but laugh, and soon others joined in.

Pearl felt the laughter was unbearable and too embarrassing to stay.

"You're hurting me with your words and actions; it's bullying," Pearl cried and ran out of the hospital.

Isabella watched Pearl's retreating figure, a smile forming on her face.

"Mr. Williams, why are you here?" Isabella asked Mason curiously.

Mason looked kindly at Isabella. "I heard you were hospitalized, so I came to check on you. How are you feeling?"

Isabella shook her head. "I'm fine; I just sprained my foot. My husband thought it was serious and insisted on bringing me to the hospital."

Isabella suddenly remembered Michael was still in the room.

'Now that Mason is here, why not let them meet?' she thought, but quickly dismissed it, thinking she should ask Michael first.

"By the way, did your husband agree to meet me?" Mason suddenly asked.

A hint of panic flashed in Isabella's eyes, and she glanced at the hospital room door.

"I haven't asked him yet. Would you mind waiting a bit longer?" Isabella said cautiously.

To her surprise, Mason had already noticed her unusual behavior and the hospital room door.

"I suddenly feel a bit thirsty. Mind if I go in and grab some water?" Mason smiled and opened the hospital room door, catching Isabella off guard.

But to everyone's surprise, the room was empty, except for an open window with the curtains fluttering in the breeze.

Isabella looked at the window, a bit surprised, while Mason's face showed a hint of disappointment.

"Mr. Williams, let me get you a glass of water," Isabella said, reaching for a cup. But Mason stopped her before she could get up.

"No need. You should rest that injured foot of yours. I just remembered I'm not that thirsty after all. I'll be on my way." Mason smiled, waved, and left Isabella's hospital room.

Isabella and Amelia walked Mason out of the hospital, then headed back to the room.

"I just realized, when Pearl saw no one in your room, Michael must've already left. But where did he go?" Amelia asked, curious.

Isabella smiled bitterly and pointed to the window. Amelia was shocked and leaned out to look. The outside wall was smooth, with only a water pipe to climb.

"Did he climb down from the window? This is the third floor; a fall would at least break a bone," Amelia said, astonished.

Isabella shrugged with a bitter smile. "He didn't just climb down. He climbed up when he came. I thought he was a thief and hit him with a lunchbox."

"Michael's pretty agile. If he can climb buildings, why wouldn't he meet Mr. Williams?" Amelia commented.

Isabella sighed. "This can't go on. I'll just ask him what he wants."

She took out her phone and sent a message to Michael. Meanwhile, Michael arrived at a bar to meet Benjamin.

Benjamin noticed the wound on Michael's forehead and frowned.

"Why'd you come to me only now?" Benjamin asked in a deep voice.

Michael looked puzzled. "Is my injury serious?"

Benjamin shrugged. "You come to me after it's healed. What's the point? This little wound won't even leave a scar."

Michael rolled his eyes, then his phone buzzed. It was a message from Isabella.

Michael looked at the message for a few seconds, then typed a reply: [I can do anything as long as you like it.]

Back in the hospital room, Isabella saw Michael's message and a sweet smile appeared on her face.

In the bar, Benjamin saw the message Michael sent and grinned mischievously.

"Think Mr. Williams will be so mad about you stealing John's fiancée that he'll hit you with his cane?" Benjamin teased.

"If Mason only uses his cane, I can handle it. I just don't know if Isabella will," Michael said irritably, finishing his drink.

Suddenly, Michael's phone rang again. This time, it was a call from John.

John told Michael to hurry back home; Mason had something to discuss with him.