Chapter 80

Isabella strutted out of the office, head held high, and made a beeline for Michael.

"All good?" Michael asked, noticing her upbeat mood and feeling like his favor to Jeremy had paid off.

"Yep,Mlichael. I didn't think Mr. Wright would be so nice. You always said people at headquarters were cold, and I saw it today. While I was waiting for the elevator, everyone ignored me, but Mr. Wright took me upstairs and signed the papers without a second thought."

"Isabella, that's just part of his job as VP. No need to be so grateful,"Michael said, a bit annoyed at her praise for Jeremy, especially since he was the one who pulled strings to get Jeremy to help her. But he couldn't exactly spill the beans about that.

Noticing Michael's irritation, Isabella stuck out her tongue playfully,trying to lighten the mood, "But to me, you're the best!"

"Really? What makes me so great?" Michael asked, eager for her answer.

"Michae1, you're the best person to me," Isabella said earnestly. Then she remembered something and asked, "Michael, if I get into trouble with someone else,would you still help me?"

Seeing her worried look, Michael knew she hadn't taken his words seriously. So he repeated, "Isabella, as long as I'm around, you can do whatever you want. Don't worry about others. I'll always have your back."

"Michael, I got into a fight on my first day at work. I feel like such a failure, but the other person was really out of line," Isabella said softly,looking down.

"Isabella, even at headquarters, you don't have to put up with that.If someone messes with you, mess with them back. If you don't want to do it yourself, tell me, and I'll handle it." Michael said, stroking her hair. "You did great today."

Isabella looked up at him, worried. "Will I cause you any trouble?"

Michael puffed out his chest and said, "I'm the one who causes trouble for others. No one dares to mess with me!"

Isabella laughed at his bravado.

Michael, captivated by her smile, leaned in for a kiss.

The car ride home got pretty cozy, but they arrived soon after.

Michael whispered in Isabella's ear, "Not in the car this time. Let's go upstairs."

Just as Jerry parked the car, Lucy popped up out of nowhere. "Michael,you're back!"

Michael ignored her and turned to Robert. "Who let her in?"

Robert just rubbed his hands, staying silent.

"I told you not to come here again. You're not welcome," Michael said coldly.

Isabella tugged at his arm, signaling him to ease up.

"I can't forgive her. She almost caused a misunderstanding between us,"Michael said firmly.

"Misunderstanding? Those were facts! Did she make you go to the nightclub and hang out with all those women? That's on you. She just happened to catch you," Isabella said, annoyed at Michael's attitude.

Lucy hid behind Isabella, giving her a thumbs-up.

Michael,feeling wronged, said, "They came onto me, not the other way around. If it makes you mad, I'll push them away next time."

"That's more like it!" Isabella said.

"Let's go upstairs," Michael said, pulling Isabella along.

Lucy trailed behind.

Michael turned back and asked, "Aren't you leaving?"

"Michael, you're the only one I know here. If you don't help me...I..."Lucy whined.

Michael barked. "Robert, get Ms. Kim out of here. And don't let her back in without my say-so."

Robert escorted Lucy to the door, muttering, "Sorry, Ms. Kim," before slamming it shut.

Lucy stood outside, feeling totally humiliated. After a moment,she realized she had nowhere to go and dialed Vaughn.

Vaughn was at a bar, hosting a party. A bunch of scantily clad women surrounded him, pampering him like a king.

"Now this is the Vaughn I know. Back to your old tricks?" Jeremy teased as he walked in, seeing Vaughn surrounded by women.

Vaughn waved the women away. They left reluctantly, some casting longing glances, hoping to leave a good impression.

The room felt more relaxed once they were gone. Jeremy sat down and ordered a glass of water.

"Jeremy, you usually stay in after work. What are you doing here?"Vaughn asked,puzzled.

"Michael called me out," Jeremy said with a helpless smile. "He's serious this time. He needed me to sign some papers for his girl, Isabella."

"Is Michael really serious this time?" Vaughn asked, his tone serious.

"Probably not." Jeremy said. "Michael hasn't told Isabella who he really is yet. Maybe he's scared she'll cling to him."

"Isabella's not the clingy type. If she finds out Michael lied, she'll probably leave without a second thought," Vaughn said.

"How do you know her so well?" Jeremy asked, curious.

Vaughn was caught off guard but quickly said, "She's from the branch office!"

They didn't chat much longer before Jeremy had to leave.

"Qiana's nearby meeting a friend. She's probably almost done,so I'm gonna pick her up," Jeremy explained.

"That's nice. You both have someone to care about," Vaughn said, a bit envious.

Jeremy gave a bittersweet smile, waving, and leaving.

Vaughn sat there, not calling the women back. His mind was stuck on Michael not telling Isabella his true identity.

"Mr. Johnson, are you alone?" A seductive woman slid in next to him,leaning against him.

"What would you do if you found out your boyfriend lied to you?"Vaughn asked impulsively.

"Depends on who my boyfriend is. If it's Mr. Johnson, I'd be happy to be deceived," she said, trying to flatter him.

Vaughn grabbed a wad of cash and stuffed it between her breasts as a tip.

The woman straightened up, speaking seriously, "I'd be really mad, might even break up. No woman likes being lied to, unless she wants to be."

When Lucy called, Vaughn was still mulling over how to reveal Michael's identity to Isabella.

"Vaughn, do you know Isabella?" Lucy cried as soon as the call connected."I went to see Michael, and he kicked me out. He's all about Isabella now,ignoring me. Do you know why he's so into her?"

"They're a couple, in the honeymoon phase. Of course, they're all lovey-dovey," Vaughn said, hiding his own feelings and trying to sound casual."But no matter how good a relationship is, once the novelty wears off,family matters more. Instead of resenting Isabella, you should try to get along with her."

Vaughn had made his point clear. It was up to Lucy to get it.

Lucy said, "Got it. Thanks, Vaughn. The day after tomorrow,I'll take her to the Foster family's banquet to broaden her horizons."

Vaughn knew that at every Foster family banquet, Michael was the star because the elder, Chase Foster, adored him.

This time, he wanted Michael to reveal his true self in front of Isabella.