Chapter 65

Isabella grinned when she heard Michael's worries.

"Isn't it just normal for folks online to throw shade? Even if you're a big movie star, they won't cut you any slack. They'll always find something to nitpick and blow it up. People love jumping on the bandwagon, trash-talking to let off steam," Isabella's words put Michael at ease.

"Didn't think you'd be so chill about it. Looks like those comments don't get to you," Michael said, smiling at Isabella.

Isabella shook her head, still smiling. "Just because I get why people do it doesn't mean I like being insulted. That's why I stay offline."

Isabella was lounging on the couch with a book on image design. Michael noticed what she was reading.

"Looks like you trust the organizers a lot," Michael said.

The top prize would land a key role in a new company. Michael figured Isabella was confident about winning and joining the new company.

Isabella shook her head. "Honestly, I don't care what the organizers think, especially with John's connections. But getting second place still looks good on my resume, no matter where I end up."

Michael smiled, surprised by Isabella's laid-back attitude.

"I bet you'll nail that job at the new company!" Michael grinned.

Isabella smiled back, but then her phone rang. It was Amelia.

As soon as she picked up, Amelia's frantic voice came through. "Isabella, check the news! Those idiots from the organizers are saying you plagiarized Bianca's work!"

Isabella frowned and grabbed her phone to check. Michael scooted closer to see too.

After reading the news, Isabella's fists clenched in anger while Michael's face turned dark.

"There were rumors that even the big families wouldn't mess with this new company, but now it seems like total BS! They're scared of John too!" With that, Isabella quickly dialed Mason.

Michael excused himself to the restroom and made a call to his subordinate.

"The fish took the bait. Make sure we remember who they are. I'll handle them one by one," Michael ordered coldly.

After calling Mason, Isabella told him about her troubles.

"Mason, I just want the truth! Please warn John to stay out of this," Isabella pleaded.

"Don't worry, Isabella. If John's behind this, he won't get away with it!" Mason reassured her before hanging up, his face darkening.

At the hospital, John stared at Bianca, looking for answers.

"Did you really create those works yourself and not steal them from Isabella?" John asked.

Tears welled up in Bianca's eyes as she looked at John, hurt. "John, don't you trust me?"

John's brow furrowed slightly. He didn't want to doubt Bianca, but Isabella had never seemed like the type to falsely accuse someone.

"If you don't believe me, John, I might as well go online and admit I stole the works. I'm not a celebrity; no one will remember me," Bianca said, disappointed, as she wheeled herself toward the computer.

"No, I believe you." John quickly walked over and hugged her.

"I never thought Isabella would do something like this. Her jealousy must be off the charts!" Bianca complained sadly.

John furrowed his brow again. He still didn't want to believe that Isabella was that kind of person.

Suddenly, John's phone rang. He answered and heard Mason's stern voice.

"Did you tell the organizers to announce that Isabella plagiarized Bianca?" Mason's question left John stunned.

"Grandpa, what are you talking about? I didn't tell the organizers anything. Besides, that's Michael's company; I have no say in it." John felt wrongly accused.

Mason was silent for a few seconds before saying, "I'll believe you this time, but I know Isabella wouldn't plagiarize. You need to find out the truth."

"Okay, Grandpa, I got it." After hanging up, John furrowed his brow tightly.

John told Bianca what Mason had said, and she looked confused.

'What is Pearl up to? If the organizers just clear my name, why accuse Isabella of plagiarism?' Bianca felt nervous.

After the banquet, Bianca had met with Pearl. They had planned to use the Brown Family's influence and Bianca's relationship with John to get the organizers to clear her name. With two major families involved, the organizers wouldn't dare to offend them.

But Bianca didn't expect Pearl to be so ruthless. Instead of just defending her, Pearl had turned the tables and accused Isabella of plagiarism.

Now, with Mason involved, Bianca felt a hint of panic. If Pearl's plan was exposed, it wouldn't end well for her.

"Why would the organizers say Isabella plagiarized your work?" John asked Bianca.

Bianca shook her head bitterly. "I don't know. I can assure you Isabella didn't plagiarize my work. Maybe the organizers made a mistake because the styles are similar."

John still believed Bianca. He nodded and prepared to call Michael to discuss investigating the matter.

After Michael left, Bianca immediately called Pearl.

"Why didn't you tell me you were framing Isabella? I have no evidence she plagiarized! I've been in the hospital this whole time. She hasn't even visited me! She has an alibi!" Bianca shouted into her phone.

On the other end, Pearl sneered, thinking that Bianca was just a fool.