Chapter 66

When Michael mentioned that Lucy was his cousin, Isabella couldn't help but grin.

Michael was pretty stoked too. Even though his trip to Evergreen Valley was a bust, it was worth it to see how Isabella felt about him.

He gently held Isabella's face and kissed her.

But just as their lips met, Isabella's phone rang. It was Vaughn.

Isabella quickly broke from Michael's kiss and answered the call.

Vaughn asked, "Isabella, what are you up to? Playing hide and seek with me?"

Isabella replied, "Mr. Johnson, sorry. I'll be right there."

After Vaughn hung up, Isabella turned to Michael and said, "Mr. Vaughn Johnson is looking for me. I gotta go. We'll catch up at the hotel tonight."

She pulled a room key out of her bag and handed it to Michael.

"You're not mad anymore? You're letting me into your room?"Michael asked,surprised.

"Do whatever you want. No one cares if you sleep on the street," Isabella said, blushing and feeling her heart race.

Michael smirked, "Sleep on the street? You wouldn't let that happen."

Isabella ignored him and walked away.

Michael decided he wasn't too fondof Vaughn.

"Isabella, I thought you were kidnapped by a vampire," Vaughn said sarcastically.

Isabella lied, "Mr. Johnson, I forgot a document, so I ran back to get it while the elevator was going up."

When Isabella arrived, Lucy had just left.

"Mr. Johnson, the girl who was with you just now..." Isabella started but then stopped, thinking it was inappropriate to ask.

Vaughn said. "She's my cousin."

Isabella replied,"Oh!"

Vaughn added, "Really, she's my cousin."

"I believe you," Isabella smiled.

Vaughn was dazzled by her smile, thinking she liked him and was happy because his answer meant a chance between them.

They grabbed a cab to a fancy restaurant where Manuel was hosting them.

The place was a bit tricky to find.

Isabella couldn't help but ask, "Mr. Johnson, are you sure this is the place?"

Vaughn confidently said, "With me here, there's nothing to worry about."

He thought Isabella was scared and raised an eyebrow at her,thinking he looked cool.

Isabella gave him a puzzled look.

The high-end restaurant was tucked away in a secluded alley, in a small,beautifully decorated courtyard.

Manuel came out to greet them warmly, "Mr. Johnson, welcome to Evergreen Valley."

Vaughn ignored Manuel's enthusiasm and complained, "Mr. Barnett,this place is too hard to find."

Manuel laughed and said, "Mr. Johnson, don't be fooled by the location.The food here is excelent. You'll see once you try it. You have to make a reservation in advance to get in."

The courtyard was surrounded by private rooms,each with beautifully embroidered curtains made with gold and silver threads, looking luxurious.

Manuel led them into a private room, which was uniquely decorated.

The room had a dining table and chairs, all in classic traditional furniture design. The chairs were soft, having been converted into accent chairs.

'Truly enjoying life!' Isabella thought to herself.

It was Isabella's first time in such a place, and she was a bit nervous. She tried to stay calm and followed closely behind Vaughn.

Because she was following too closely, Vaughn's heart was pounding,and he thought she admired him.

At the dining table, Manuel raised a glass of wine and said, "Mr. Johnson,let's toast to our cooperation."

Vaughn had just picked up his glass when Isabella stepped in and said,"Mr. Barnett, Mr. Johnson isn't feeling well and can't drink. I'll take this one for him."

With that, she clinked glasses with Manuel and downed it in one go.

Isabella ended up drinking several glasses on Vaughn's behalf.

Manuel teased, "Ms. Taylor, what's your deal with Mr. Johnson? Give us a good reason, or we won't buy it!"

With Manuel's teasing, the guys at the table joined in.

Isabella,feeling out of her depth, looked to Vaughn for help.

Vaughn stood up, put his arm around Isabella's shoulder, and proudly announced. "Isabella is my girl. Treat her well!"

Isabella looked at Vaughn in surprise. Vaughn whispered in her ear, "Just go with it, or these guys won't let you off."

Isabella had no choice but to play along.

"Oh. I see. We were wondering who Ms. Taylor's boyfriend is. Turns out it's you,Mr.Johnson."

Vaughn felt pretty pleased hearing this. But he didn't forget the main business. He said, "Mr. Barnett, let's talk about the project!"

Vaughn sat down with his arm still around Isabella's shoulder.

Manuel said, "Mr. Johnson, drink this glass, and we'll talk business."

Ignoring Isabella's attempts to stop him, Vaughn downed the glass of wine.

Isabella thought to herself, 'This is bad. If he drinks, he might throw up again.

After one glass, Vaughn was practically slumped over the table.

Isabella and Manuel handled all the business discussions.

After dinner, Vaughn was still not fully sober. It was hard to get a cab there,so Isabella helped Vaughn out.

At the alley entrance, Vaughn couldn't hold it in any longer and threw up

against the wall.

Worried he might end up in the hospital again like the previous day,

Isabella watched him nervously. But the smell of his vomit was so strong it made her eyes water.

Isabella rubbed her eyes, which were now red.

Vaughn,thinking Isabella was concerned for him, asked emotionally, "Are you crying because you're worried about me?"

"What?" Isabella was surprised and didn't understand why he said that.

"At the dinner table, I said you were my girl, and I meant it. I find you to be a good person, the type I like. Even though you're married, I know your husband doesn't treat you well and doesn't understand you. You're very troubled. Since you like me so much, I'll give you a chance. Go back and get a divorce, and I'll marry you."

Isabella was terrified, thinking, 'What have I done to make Vaughn misunderstand so badly? How can I let him down gently?'

Isabella felt very troubled.

Vaughn was waiting for Isabella to be moved to tears and hug him passionately, but after a long wait, Isabella didn't react at all.

He looked up and saw Isabella's troubled face,and asked in confusion,"

What do you mean by this? Say something."

Isabella came to her senses, immediately raised her hand, and swore, her

eyes red with urgency, "Mr. Johnson, you're my boss. I have absolutely no inappropriate thoughts about you, I swear."

Vaughn pressed closer, pinning her against the wall, and asked in a low voice,"I allow you to have thoughts about me.What do you think?"

He thought this move was very suave and charming, but Isabella was terrified.

Her back hit the wall, causing her pain and making her more alert.

"Pervert." Isabella kicked him, causing him to double over in pain. She took the opportunity to get into a cab and returned to the hotel.