Chapter 5

Next to the table were three people: Mason, Michael, and Mason's son, Owen Williams.

Mason glanced at Michael and grinned, "Honestly, I was hoping you and your dad would come back together this time, but he turned me down. So, you gotta stick around a bit longer."

Michael nodded, smiling. "Got it, Uncle Mason. I'm back to expand our market here, so I'll be around for a while. Also, Dad wanted me to tell you he misses you too, but he's swamped overseas."

Owen, who'd been quiet, finally spoke up, "John's coming over soon. He's always looked up to you. Perfect chance to introduce you two."

Michael nodded again, but then his smile faded, replaced by a hesitant look like he had something on his mind but didn't know how to say it.

Mason noticed and asked, "Michael, what's up?"

Michael sighed, "The day I got back, right after I landed, I was in a car accident. The weird part is, the other driver died, but the report said the crash wasn't bad enough to kill him."

Mason and Owen's faces changed instantly.

"Do you think it wasn't an accident?" Mason's eyes narrowed, a dangerous glint in them.

Michael nodded, looking a bit helpless. "Yes, I doubt it, after all, the driver's fatal injury was to the back of his head"

Mason drummed his fingers on the table, thinking. "Very few people knew you were coming back. Besides our family, the only ones who could find out are the other three major families."

Owen clenched his fists and slammed the table, his face full of anger. "Who else would dare? They must've heard about your skills and got scared you'd make our family even stronger. Don't worry, Michael, I'll help you get to the bottom of this."

Michael shook his head and smiled at Owen, "Thanks, Owen, but I want to handle this myself. It's too interesting to pass up."

Owen looked like he wanted to argue, but Mason's glare shut him up.

Mason turned to Michael and smiled, "If you want to investigate, go for it. If you need help, just ask. We're family. By the way, you came at a good time. John is about to marry his fiancée, Isabella."

Michael's smile vanished instantly. Wasn't Isabella the wife he had just married not long ago? Could it be that they simply shared the same name?

Owen looked at Michael and grinned, "Michael, you're a few years older than John and at the perfect age to get hitched. Got anyone special in mind?"

Michael nodded, "Actually, I met a girl a few days ago and fell for her right away. We're already married."

Owen and Mason raised their eyebrows at the quick timeline but soon relaxed.

"With your charm, I'm sure your wife is totally devoted," Owen said with a wink.

Michael smiled back but then excused himself to hit the restroom, leaving the banquet hall for a bit.

In the restroom, Michael pulled out his phone and called his subordinate. "Send me the info on John and his fiancée."

A few minutes later, he got the photos. When he saw Isabella's picture, he trembled and his eyes went cold.

LuxeHaven Retreat.

After changing outfits, Isabella finally arrived. She was led to the door of the box where Mason was.

She stood in the doorway, hesitating. Should she confess to Mason today? After all, he had been so kind to her, and he was the one who had arranged the marriage.

Suddenly the door of the box was opened from inside , Isabella saw the person she least expected to see: John.

John was sitting on Mason's right, staring at Isabella with a cold gaze.

In the past, that look would've intimidated Isabella, but now she stared back without hesitation.

John narrowed his eyes, feeling challenged.

"Isabella, you finally made it. Come, sit here." Mason patted the seat on his left, inviting her over.

"Why are you here? I thought you were hiding, too scared to show your face," John sneered.

Mason furrowed his brow, sensing some tension.

Isabella sneered back, "You haven't scared me enough to avoid you. I just don't want to see you with that woman. It disgusts me."

"Isabella, what's going on? Did John do something to you?" Mason asked, frowning.

Isabella took a deep breath as she finally decided to come clean. She looked at Mason and said, "Thanks for your care all this time. Actually, I came here today to tell you I want to annul my engagement with John."

Mason looked surprised, and John shot up from his chair.

"Are you out of your mind, Isabella? Are you trying to threaten me?" John glared at her, looking murderous.

Mason slammed the table and glared at John. "Sit down. If you can't keep quiet, then get out."

Mason's anger shut John up, but he kept staring coldly at Isabella, who ignored him.

"Mr. Williams, the woman John truly loves is my cousin Bianca. They've been together for a long time. Instead of forcing us into a loveless marriage, let them be together," Isabella said, looking at Mason.

Mason turned to John with a frown, "Is what Isabella said true?"

John stayed silent, but Isabella spoke up first.

"You better tell the truth to your grandfather and swear it. If you lie, Bianca will die tomorrow," Isabella said, tilting her head with a cold smile.

John glared at Isabella with angry eyes but didn't say a word. Isabella brushed off his look and turned to Mason, asking, "Isn't there another elder coming today?"

Mason glanced out the door. "He went to the bathroom; he should be back soon."

Meanwhile, Michael had read all of Isabella's messages and now, in the bathroom, he was certain that his new wife was John's fiancée. 'So, after being betrayed by your fiancé, you're trying to get close to his uncle? If that's your intention, it's pretty foolish,' he thought, a sneer creeping onto his face as a mischievous idea began to form.

He imagined the look on John's face when he found out his fiancée had married him. "My poor nephew," Michael muttered, shaking his head as he walked out of the restroom.