Chapter 73

Isabella couldn't tell him it was because Vaughn had confessed to her and been rejected, not wanting to see her anymore, which led to his decision to have her moved away.

She could only explain, "It might be because Vaughn had an embarrassing incident on the plane and he felt humiliated. Since I know about this awkward situation, Vaughn doesn't want to see me around. So, he asked me to resign voluntarily. Fortunately, Eric helped me by arranging a position for me at the headquarters, so I don't end up suddenly unemployed."

Michael was speechless. HHe couldn't understand Vaughn's thinking and didn't expect Vaughn to be bold enough to fire Isabella.

Thinking about her visit to the headquarters that afternoon, Isabella couldn't help but share her feelings with Michael. "Michael, even though I was only at the headquarters for a bit, I could totally feel the difference. At the branch, we're all laid-back. We chat, share snacks during breaks,and welcome new faces. But at the headquarters, everyone seems so wrapped up in their own stuff."

Sensing Isabella's anxiety, Michael patted her hand and tried to comfort her. "Yeah, there's a big difference. The branch is far from the center of power, and the performance pressure isn't as intense. So, people get along better. But at the headquarters, it's all about strict rules and performance.Colleagues are both partners and competitors, so everyone's super focused on their work. It's normal to feel out of place coming from the branch.If you can't adapt, we can always quit."

Hearing Michael mention quitting again, Isabella quickly said,"I just noticed the difference. The real work hasn't even started yet. Don't worry.With my skills, I'll be fine."

To make Michael believe her, Isabella forced a bright smile.

She dreaded hearing him talk about quitting. If she stopped working, they'd end up languishing at home, staring at each other while their savings dwindled. Just thinking about that scenario made Isabella anxious. So, no matter how tough the work at the headquarters was, she had to stick with it.

"As long as you're happy!" Michael said, feeling like he could agree to anything Isabella wanted.

Jerry drove the car to the villa. As soon as Michael helped Isabella out of the car, a cute voice called out, "Baby."

Her voice came first, and then Lucy followed, launching herself into Michael's arms lke a little cannonball.

Michael grabbed her by the collar and tossed her aside like she was a puppy.

"I warned you, don't call me that again!" Michael said sternly, his face dark.

"Fine, I won't call you that! Why are you so mean?" Lucy grumbled in dissatisfaction.

Ignoring Lucy, Michael took Isabella's hand and walked towards the villa.

Lucy caught up, grabbing Michael with one hand and pointingat Isabella with the other, angrily asking, "Is it because of her that you won't let me call you baby?"

"Show some respect to her. She's my wife," Michael said, pushing Lucy's hand away and pulling Isabella close. "Don't be so rude."

"Why should I respect her? You haven't even brought her home.Have

Grandpa and Qiana accepted her? I don't accept her," Lucy said disdainfully.

"Lucy, Isabella is the one I've chosen1. Whether you accept it or not, she is your elder, and you'd better respect her. Otherwise, don't blame me for being rude," Michael said seriously, his face darkening.

Lucy didn't say anything more, though her face still showed some defiance.It was clear she was quite afraid of Michael's anger.

"Isabella, let me introduce you," Michael said gently to Isabella, as if he had become a different person. "This is Lucy, my cousin. She was spoiled growing up. If she's rude to you, don't tolerate it."

Hearing Michael's introduction, Isabella turned and smiled at Lucy,greeting her, "Hello, Ms. Kim."

Lucy ignored Isabella andinstead shouted at Michael, "So you can speak gently! Why are you always so mean to me?"

"Isabella is my wife. You're just my cousin," Michael said nonchalantly.

"Michael!" Lucy exclaimed in disbelief, her voice rising several octaves."Is that really you? Did she drug you?"

"I want to be with her. Even Grandpa and Qiana don't interfere, so what right do you have?" Michael said dismissively.

"You..." Lucy was so angry she couldn't speak.

Watching Michael and Lucy bicker, Isabella felt a pang of envy.She thought that they must have a really good relationship to speak so freely with each other.

Michael's phone rang. Instead of answering it immediately, he told Isabella,"Take Lucy inside. I'll join you after I take this call."

Lucy paid no attention to Isabella, walking inside on her own and sitting on the sofa, ordering Ava to make her some juice.

Ava looked at Isabella, waiting for her to speak. Then Isabella softly told Ava, "Go ahead. This is Ms. Kim, Michael's cousin. Take good care of her."

Ava nodded and went to make the juice.

"I didn't expect Michael to let you stay in his villa. You must have some skills. But you should realize that Michael doesn't really like you. Look, he even takes his calls away from you, which means he doesn't want you1 to know his business," Lucy said smugly.

"I know," Isabella said calmly.

Lucy asked in surprise, "You know he doesn't like you?"

"Yes," Isabella replied. "So, don't try to make me angry. I won't get mad at him just because he doesn't like me."

"Then why did you marry him?" Lucy pressed.

"He's handsome!" Isabella 'laughed. "If you have to get married for some reason,you might as well choose someone good-looking!"

"You chose Michael?" Lucy said in disbelief. "No way. Michael has never lacked women around him, many of whom are much better than you.How could it be your turn to choose him?"

"There are many girls around Michael?" Isabella asked curiously.

Lucy snorted proudly, "Of course. With Michael's status,he can have any girl in the city he wants. He's the most outstanding guy in the Johnson Family. Forget it. You can't even imagine."

"In your eyes, he's that outstanding?" Isabella murmured.

Lucy replied, "Of course. If Michael is the moon in the sky, you're just a shadow on the ground. If you have any self-awareness, you need to leave Michael on your own."

"Thank you, Lucy," Isabella suddenly said.

Lucy was puzzled."Why are you thanking me?"

"If you hadn't told me; I wouldn't have known Michael was so great!"Isabella smiled. "I need to treat him even better so no other woman can take him away."

Lucy was furious and shouted at Isabella, "Isabella, how can you be so shameless?"

"What are you yelling about?" Michael walked in after finishing his call and said, "No manners."

Lucy,red-faced with anger, stomped her foot and pointed at Isabella,complaining to Michael, "Michael, she's bullying me!"

"With a temper like yours, who could ever bully you?" Michael said,tapping her on the head with his finger. "Even if Isabela is bullying you,it's just her offering you some guidance.Understand?"

Isabella felt a bit awkward. She didn't dare to actually discipline Lucy,but she did intend to tease her a bit. After all, Lucy had been trying to stir up trouble between her and Michael.

"Leave now. We're about to have dinner," Michael said, not giving her a chance to speak further, and shut the door on her.

Lucy banged on the door for a while, but seeing no one was paying attention, she eventually went home.