Chapter 20

Isabella's cheeks flushed bright red. She looked down, unsure of where to put her hands.

"Jerry, take Isabella out for dinner first. I got some stuff to deal with,"Michael instructed in a low, deep voice.

"Sure thing. Mr. Johnson," Jerry replied. "Mrs. Johnson, right this way."

Before Jerry could even open the car door, Isabella was already out and following him inside.

After this awkward moment, she had no mood to appreciate the design of the Ivy Haven Clubhouse. Sitting at the table with her head down, she focused intently on eating the appetizers served by the restaurant.

Not long after, Michael walked in gracefully. Isabella glanced up at him and noticed that his expression showed no signs of anything unusual; he greeted the owner with a serious demeanor.

Michael walked over and sat down beside her. She curiously stole glances at him; his outfit looked perfectly pristine, with not a single wrinkle in sight.

Noticing her stare, Michael leaned in and whispered through gritted teeth,"Just wait until tonight."

"What's that got to do with me?" Isabella muttered, focusing back on her dish.

They ate in silence, both lost in their own thoughts, not really enjoying the food.

After dinner, Michael took Isabella back to the branch office.

"Don't forget to miss me. I'll come get you after work," Michael said.feeling a bit jealous at the thought of Isabella hanging out with Eric.

"I'm crashing at the dorm tonight with Olivia," Isabella shouted as she ran off.

Michael decided he'd finish his tasks and then head to the branch office to wait for her.

At the Johnson Group headquarters.

Michael showed uap late, looking like he was about to blow a fuse.

The two people waiting for him looked uneasy, seeing his expression.

"Michael, who ticked you off this time? Just say the word, and I'll godeal with them," Jeremy, who had always been protective of Michael since they were kids,said with concern.

Vaughn understood, thinking, 'Michael's not mad; he looks more like he's sexually frustrated. Guess I messed up his plans this afternoon.'

Vaughn couldn't help but feel a sense of unease.

"Do you have a candidate for the branch manager position?" Michael asked.even as Jeremy was still feeling sorry for him.

"Ah?" Jeremy was taken aback by the question and replied, "We discussed it together this morning, and you hadn't made a decision yet, right?"

"Jeremy, even though I have the ability to be a VP, you're the one who's the VP of the Johnson Group. I'm not obligated to make decisions for you."Michael said bluntly, though his tone was softer.

Jeremy didn't get why Michael's mood changed so fast, but he felt relieved.

"Since Eric doesn't want a promotion, he can stay as the department head.

For the manager, we can pick someone from another department," Jeremy said,cautiously watching Michael's expression. Seeing it wasn't as bad as he feared, he suggested, "Michael, you know, Eric is so dedicated. Have you thought about getting rid of the company's no-office-romance policy?"

With this rule abolished, Jeremy can pursue Qiana without any reservations.

Michael's face turned grim in an instant. He shot a glare at Jeremy and said, "If Eric doesn't want a promotion, let him stay as the department head. I'd like to see how a love-struck person without the courage to strive for more could ever win a girl's affection."

He paused, then added calmly, "As for the branch manager position,Vaughn will take it."

"Why me? Michael, even though I... you can't just send me there," Vaughn protested.

"Don't overthink it. It's not about that. I just think the branch position suits you," Michael said, still calm.

Jeremy was lost in their conversation.

"I'm calling Qiana," Vaughn said, not willing to accept it.

"Calling Grandpa won't change a thing," Michael said. "At worst, I'll just stop dealing with all this nonsense."

"You always use that to threaten us," Vaughn said, giving up and standing by the window with his hands on his hips, glaring at Michael.

Seeing the brothers at odds, Jeremy quickly stepped in to calm things down. "Michael, Vaughn isn't refusing. He just feels a bit down. Moving from headquarters to a branch feels like a demotion. It's normal for him to feel this way. And Vaughn, you almost lost a major partnership with your

mistake. Michael saved the day. He wants you to gain some experience at the branch. It's just the right time for you to lay low and avoid those old board members from hounding you. You two are the only brothers in the Johnson family. You should..."

Before Jeremy could finish, Michael stood up and walked out without looking back.

The two left standing were stunned, looking at each other, helpless against Michael's temper.

After Michael left, Jeremy sent Vaughn away. Then, Jeremy went to the restroom to tidy up his appearance. After carefully checking his face in the mirror, he finally sat down at the table and called Qiana on a video call.

"Ms. Johnson, there's an issue at the branch. I've detailed it in an email, so I won't bother you with these trivial matters over the phone," Jeremy said. "Everything is fine at headquarters, and Michael is doing well. The branch issues have been resolved, all handled by Michael. You know Mr. Johnson's capabilities; there's nothing he can't handle."

"I heard he broke up with that model. Find out what's going on," Qiana said.

"What? They broke up? I hadn't heard such good news! I'll find out right away," Jeremy said, reluctantly putting away his phone after Qiana hung up.

It wasn't until Qiana's face disappeared from the screen that Jeremy reluctantly put away his phone.

Thinking about what Qiana said, that Michael broke up with Stella, he rushed out of his office, heading straight to the underground parking lot,praying that Michael hadn't left yet.

He reached Michael's designated parking spot and saw Jerry just puling

out the car. He quickly ran out, standing in the aisle with his arms outstretched to stop the car.

Jerry didn't expect someone to suddenly jump in front of the car and almost hit Jeremy. He quickly braked, startling Michael, who was looking at his phone, causing him to lurch forward and drop his phone.

"Sorry, Mr. Johnson. Mr. Wright was blocking the car. I didn't see him,"Jerry apologized,trying to explain.

"Next time he does that, just run him over," Michael said coldly.

Although his heart was pounding from the scare, Jeremy quickly ran over,opened the car door, and sat next to Michael, excitedly asking, "Michael, I heard you broke up with that model. Is it true?"