Chapter 88

Michael's face was serious now, not angry like before. He pulled Isabella close and said softly, "Isabella, I'm starving. Can you grab me something to eat?"

Isabella knew he was just trying to get her out of the way. She held his hand and said, worried, "Michael, keep your cool. Don't start anything here. This isn't the place for a fight. And about Austin..."

She wanted to tell him that Austin had helped her today, but Michael cut her off. He shot a disdainful look at Austin and pinched her cheek, saying,"Relax. I'm not gonna lower myself to a kid's level."

Austin, feeling insulted, flexed his muscles and scoffed, "If you wanna fight,bringit on. I'm not scared of you!"

Isabella looked at them both, exasperated. "I'll be watching from over there.Don't fight!If you behave well, I'll...."

"I'll get a reward when wè get home," Michael interrupted, nudging her away. "Isabella, don't worry. For that reward, I won't fight him."

She gave him a doubtful look, but he nodded, signaling her to trust him.Only then did she walk away, still uneasy about what might happen.

Austin watched her leave, a bit jealous, and said to Michael, "Isabella really cares about you. Don't let her down."

Michael's face darkened. "Who are you to tell me that?"

"I..." Austin stammered, unsure what to say.

If he were a successful man like Michael, he might have confidently declared himself as Isabella's suitor. But right now, he had no standing.

Michael's tone was icy. "You have the right to like anyone you want,but not her. Whether you just like her or want to use her to get at me,drop it.If you want revenge, leave her out of it. She's my weak spot, but if anything happens to her, you won't handle the consequences."

"Revenge? Why would I want revenge on you?" Austin was confused.

"You don't know me?" Michael asked, seeing the genuine confusion in Austin's eyes.

"Why should I? But I do know you have other women, like that one in Evergreen Valley. Isabella's amazing, and you cheat on her with someone like that? It's an insult to her," Austin said angrily.

"Lucy is my cousin. Isabella knows, so don't think you can use that against me," Michael explained. "And you should know me. I'm Michael."

"Michael?" Austin said, surprised. "You're...Michael."

"Knowing you came back from the Roberts Family, I've been wanting to meet you. In my memory, you're still a child. I waited for you at the bar last time, but you left early. Now we've met, but not how I wanted. Your brother Preston Jackson always talked about you with pride. I'm sorry about Preston. If you have any grievances, take them out on me. These matters have nothing to do with Isabella." Michael said quietly.

"If you're Michael, then shouldn't you be Kenna's boyfriend?" Austin muttered.

Michael rolled his eyes and shot back, "I'm talking about Preston. Why are you bringing up Kenna? My stuff with Kenna is way too complicated for you to get."

"Aren't you scared I'll tell Kenna?" Austin challenged.

Michael laughed, "Austin, Everyone's got exes. Just remember, Isabella is

ne. Keep your thoughts to yourself."

"Isabella isn't yours. She belongs to herself. She can choose whoever she wants. Just wait a few years and see who she picks," Austin fired back.

"Fine! I'll wait for you!" Michael was surprised by Austin's guts. Austin openly challenging him for Isabella was kind of amusing.

He pointed a finger at Austin and then turned to find Isabella without looking back.

Even though he said he'd wait, Michael felt a twinge of worry. He figured he needed to treat Isabella even better so she wouldn't be tempted by other guys.

Isabella was at the buffet, picking out some desserts. She found a spot where she could keep an eye on Michael and sat down, watching from a distance. When she saw Michael turn to leave, she finally relaxed and started eating.

Vaughn was nearby, watching Isabella. He was waiting for his chance.

Once the Foster family banquet started, Michael would be on stage as a special guest, being the Johnson Family heir. Isabella would be in the audience, and when she found out the truth and got hurt, Vaughn planned to swoop in and comfort her. This was his big moment.

"Isabella!" MMichael's voice snapped Vaughn out of his thoughts.

Isabella stood up and greeted him, "Michael, you're back!"

Michael hugged her and sat down. He gently wiped a bit of food from the corner of her mouth and kissed her, saying, "Delicious!"

Vaughn didn't want to see any of this, but he consoled himself with the thought that soon, the two lovebirds in front of him would have a fight,

for a Woman and Isabella would be his.

"I was so worried. I'm glad you didn't fight," Isabella said.

Michael flicked her forehead and said, "What are you thinking? I'm not a fighter; why would I start a fight?"

Michael thought for a moment and added, "That Austin is the younger brother of a good friend of mine. I saw him when he was little, but I didn't recognize him after all these years. Our families have some issues, so try to avoid him in the future."

Isabella sighed in relief. "I'm glad you didn't misunderstand."

Michael thought about what Austin had said last and leaned on Isabella's shoulder, saying wistfully, "Isabella,I'm jealous!"

Isabella had never seen anyone be so openly jealous and couldn't help but laugh.

Michael got lost in her smile, held her hand, and said, "Isabella, let's go home."

With that, he took her hand and walked straight out.

Isabella wanted to find Lucy and tell her, but then she remembered Lucy had asked her to keep it from Michael. She quickly sent Lucy a message,telling her she was leaving, while Michael wasn't paying attention.

Vaughn, witnessing their departure, felt a profound sense of collapse,as if his meticulously constructed plans had been shattered. Like a kid's block tower,he could almost hear himself falling apart.