Chapter 28

After lunch, they headed over to the orphanage for a donation ceremony.

Michael finally figured out where Eric had blown the company's big event budget.

Eric had donated a ton of stuff to the orphanage under the Johnson Group's name. He covered everything fromn medical rehab gear to kids' toys and daily food supplies.

"Eric is quite an interesting guy," Michael said, looking at Eric with admiration.

The ceremony wrapped up quickly, so they had the rest of the afternoon to do whatever, as long as they stuckto the orphanage's rules.

Isabella and Olivia played with a bunch of kids.

Michael, witha nothing better to do, hung out in the guard room and chatted with the guard since the kids weren't too fond of his cold vibe.When the guard had to step out, Michael took over gate duty with a remote control.

When Isabella and the others came back, Michael was stuck because the guard hadn't returned yet.

Finally, the guard came back, and just when Michael thought he could cozy up with Isabella for a nap, he found his spot already taken.

The plan was one suite per family, but in the end, only Eric and Olivia,both single, were left with one suite.

Everyone teased them about sharing the suite. Olivia was embarrassed, but Eric said he was a decent guy and didn't mind who he bunked with.

With Eric saying that, Olivia felt like if she kept fussing,she'd look bad. So,on a whim, she moved her stuff in. Olivia took the inner room, and Eric took the outer room.

But when night came, Olivia got scared. She didn't want to face Eric alone and ran to Isabella's room,refusing to leave.

Seeing Michael return, Isabella hurried to the living room, standing in front of him, looking hesitant.

"What's up?" Michael asked.

Isabella tentatively said, "Can you... switch rooms with Olivia? She's a girl,and it's not right for her to stay with Mr. Allen. Plus, she's always been scared of him."

Michael said, "You want me to stay with Eric?"

"Not exactly together. There are two rooms and two beds," Isabella quickly explained.

"What? You want me to sleep with him? I don't even want to stay in the same suite with him. This place is alreadly a dump, and I'm not used to it.Now you wantto kick me out and make me live with Eric. Isabella, do you really not want to sleep with me?" Michael said,feeling wronged.

Isabella was speechless. She thought Michael wouldn't agree,but she didn't expect him to act so hurt.

Michael looked around the room. It wasn't great, or rather, he didn't want to stay hereat all.

The basic facilities, though not dirty, were clearly old and wouldn't be comfortable to use.

Maybe because it hadn't been lived in for a while, there was a musty smell

in the air.

Michael thouight, 'I should've asked Aaron to get a cleaning crew to deep clean and replace the furniture, at least the bed. Or I can call Jerry later and have him bring an RV over so Isabellà and I can sleep in it for a night.In that case, switching rooms with Olivia won't be a big deal. At worst.when Jerry arrives, I can find a way to lure her out.'

Olivia peeked out from the bedroom, silently pleading with Isabella.

Isabella gave her an OK gesture.

Seeing Michael silent in muse, Isabella boldly approached,pressing her body against his back, her arms wrapping around his waist, her soft fingers tracing his abs.

"Mr. Johnson, you're so kind. Please switch rooms with Olivia!" Isabella said, like a kitten, against Michael's back. But Michael ignored her.

Then, Isabella's small hands continued to explore his abs, and she said,"Mr. Johnson, think about it, Olivia is just a young girl and hasn't even had a boyfriend. It's not right for her to share a room with Mr. Allen."

Michael, totally turned on by Isabella's teasing, didn't catch a word she was saying.

Isabella thought Michael was still mulling it over, her fluffy head rubbing against his back, asking, "Michael... will you?"

Hearing his name like that made Michael's heart explode like fireworks,and he blurted out, "Okay."

He pulled Isabella's arms away, turned around, and hugged her. Seeing the sly smile on her face, he knew he had been tricked. Michael never did anything without getting something in return. His mind raced to find some benefit for himself.

He wrapped one arm around Isabella's waist, the other hand pinching her chin, forcing her to look at him.

Michael cooed, "You set me up, you tricky little witch."

Isabella, feeling guilty, lowered her eyes, not daring to look at him,and asked softly, "What do you want then?"

Michael replied, "I don't want to agree to this no matter what.Why would I leave you, someone so sweet and lovely, to share a room with Eric? I'm not out of my mind."

Isabella asked, "It's just one night. What would it take for you to agree?"

Michael thought, 'Yeah, just one night. The living conditions are so bad.The beds are terrible to sleep in, let alone making love with Isabella.'

Michael asked, "Is it true that if I switch, you'll agree to any request?"

Isabella blushed fromn head to toe.

Michael teased, "Looks like you know me well. I'll keep my request with you, and we'll settle it when we get back."

With that, he lowered his head and kissed Isabella's lips hard, sucking until her lips were slightly swollen before letting go.

"This is just a bit of interest." Michael flicked her nose. Then he turned to Eric's place. "I'm leaving! Don't forget about me."

Isabella quickly handed himn a big bag with his personal items and said, "I put a set of bed linens from home, clean underwear, toiletries, and towels in a waterproof bag, slippers at the bottom. Call me if you need anything else, and I'll bring it over."

Michael didn't expect her to be so thorough. Feeling touched, he kissed her again before reluctantly leaving.

Back in the room, Olivia saw Isabella's shy look and felt a bit guilty,thinking she should give them a nice gift later.

When Eric returned to the suite, he found all of Olivia's things gone. He shook his head helplessly. Although he expected she wouldn't stay with him, he was still a bit disappointed.

Eric thought, 'Where could she have gone? As her supervisor and the organizer of this event, I have a duty to find out.'

Just as he picked up his phone, he saw Michael walk in with a huge bag.

"Mr. Johnson, what are you doing?" Eric asked.

"Because of you, I got kicked out and am stuck with you," Michael said grumpily.

Michael looked around the room. The layout was different from the one he shared with Isabella, but it seemed more comfortable, maybe because it was smaller. Eric had lit incense, so there wasn't that unpleasant smell. It was bearable.

Eric took out two cans of beer from his luggage, handed one to Michael,and they sat by the window without speaking.

After a long time, Eric broke the silence. "Mr. Johnson, why are you hiding your identity?"

"Since you asked, get your mind off Isabella. She's with me," Michael said coldly, playing with the beer can in his hand.

Eric looked up, surprised at Michael's defensive stance, and couldn't help but laugh. "Mr. Johnson, you don't think I like Isabella, do you?"

"Isn't it?" Michael frowned.

Eric laughed. "Mr. Johnson, you misunderstood. Ms. Taylor and I are just

colleagues, and if you agree, we also have a superior-subordinate relationship."

"But I heard you didn't go to headquarters or get promoted because you had a crush on a female subordinate," Michael suddenly realized."You like Olivia."

Eric smiled bitterly. "She doesn't even know."