Chapter 55

Just as Isabella was about to throw down, a familiar voice cut through the tension, "Where do you think you're taking her?"

Isabella jumped. Michael was already by her side, casually pulling her into his arms and giving Chris a cold,hard stare.

"Why are you here?" Isabella's voice had a hint of relief.

"If I didn't show up, who knows what would happen?" Michael said,trying to keep his cool. He playfully tapped her nose, not wanting to scare her with his anger.

"Who are you?" Chris looked Michael up and down, realizing he didn't know him but could tell he wasn't just some random guy.

"Her man," Michael said, like it was no big deal.

Chris had to admit, Michael had him beat in both looks and presence. No wonder Isabella wasn't interested in him; she had a better option.

Not wanting to mess with someone important, Chris forced a smile, "So she's with you! No wonder she didn't want to come with me. My bad. I'll get out of your hair."

"Hold up. Since we're all here, let's get to know each other," Michael said,pulling Isabella to sit down.

"Let's go!" Isabella tugged at Michael's hand.

"Don't worry. With me here, nothing's gonna happen," Michael reassured her. He shot a challenging look at Chris, "Who are you to harass my woman without spitting your name? You're afraid of my anger now?"

Chris was ticked off, "What's there to be afraid of? I'm Chris, President of Global Innovators Inc."

"Chris? Oh, I'm shaking in my boots! Isabella, let's bounce," Michael said sarcastically,holding Isabella as they left.

"I thought he is something special, but he doesn't dare to do squat. One sentence of mine could scare the crap out of him. See, he's running home for his mama," Chris said. pointing at Michael and mocking him.

The staff here often got taken away by big shots. Thalia thought her chance had come. She walked up to Chris and buttered him up, "Of course,

Mr.Diaz, you're so powerful. He must be scared."

Thalia's flattery worked on Chris. He pinched her cheek and said flirtatiously, "Beauty, how powerful am I? Want to find out?"

Thalia twisted her waist, slapped Chris's hand away, and simpered, "I'd love to serve Mr. Diaz, but who knows if I have the chance to catch Mr.Diaz's eye."

Chris, stirred by her coyness, tapped her nose with his finger and said,"Naughty. You want to be with me?"

Thalia playfully slapped Chris and said, "Mr. Diaz, I'm a gir1. Don't ask so bluntly!"

Chris laughed heartily. "Alright, come on. If you make me happy, I won't treat you badly."

Michael took Isabella back.

On the way, he tried hard to keep his temper in check, not wanting to scare Isabella.

When they got to their place, Michael sat in a chair and downed a large glass of water.

He tried to speak gently to Isabella, "Tell me what happened."

Isabella knew she couldn't hide this from him. She held his hand and said sweetly, "Michael, I can tell you, but don't get mad."

Seeing her reaction, Michael thought, 'This must be serious.'

He forced a smile and said, "Go ahead. I won't get angry."

With Michael's assurance, Isabella spilled the beans about Chris giving her the room key, how she and Eric set him up, and how Chris made things tough when they tried to get him to sign the papers. But she left out the part where she got drugged.

Michael listened closely, sensing something was off. He thought, 'Why did Chris let Isabella go? Why did Isabella and Olivia end up in the water?Isabella's definitely hiding something. She didn't say, and I won't push.Eric's involved; he should know more.'

Isabella noticed Michael hadn't said anything for a while and tugged at his finger, "Michael, don't be mad."

Michael realized he'd underestimated Isabella, thinking she was timid. Now,he saw she was pretty gutsy.

"How can I not be mad? You went through alI this, and I didn't even know. Who should I be mad at?" Michael asked, looking at her.

"Michael, I was wrong," Isabella said, feeling guilty. "But I didn't mean to hide it from you. I knew you'd be angry if you found out. If you acted impulsively and hit him, our project would be over."

"Is this project that important?" Michael asked, frustrated that she kept it from him for the sake of the project.

Isabella nodded seriously, "Yes, it's very important. This is a crucial step in my career. If I succeed, it'll be a big boost to my resume. Whether I get promoted at the Johnson Group or move to another company,it'll be a

plus for me."

Michael thought about how she'd been on her own since she was a kid,always trying to better herself. Even though they were married, she couldn't shake that habit. Maybe he hadn't made her feel secure enough.

Michael promised, "Don't worry. I'll make sure you complete this project.You're so ambitious; how can I hold you back?"

Isabella held his hand and said sincerely, "Michael, I'll work hard and get promoted and a raise."

Seeing her serious look, Michael felt both angry and heartbroken. He couldn't help but rub her cheek and sighed, "You dummy."

They sat together for a while lónger. Just then, Aaron called, and Michael stepped out to take it.

After explaining things to Aaron, Michael called Eric.

"Eric," Michael started, pausing for a moment.

On the other end, Eric stayed silent.

Michael continued, "Is there nothing you want to tell me?"

"You know everything," Eric said confidently.

"Details," Michael demanded. "Why did Chris let them go? I can't figure it out."

"Chris druġged Isabella, thinking she wouldn't get far. He didn't expect her to prefer soaking in cold water rather than seeking him out. I admire Isabella for that," Eric said calmly.

"You guys have some nerve, not telling me about such a big thing,"Michael said through gritted teeth.

Eric retorted,"Isabella didn't want me to tell you. I couldn't just snitch in front of her."

"We're making a move tonight. Wanna come?" Michael invited.

"No. With you there, I'm at ease," Eric said, glancing at Olivia watching TV on the couch. "Besides, the new cat at home is sick and needs care."

'As if no one else has a cat!' MichaeI thought disdainfully and hung up the phone.