Chapter 122

But considering that Violet was Nolan's student, she didn't feel comfortable asking directly. Isabella quickly averted her gaze.

She added, "Nolan, how long will you be staying in Evergreen City this time?"

Although she was reluctant to part with Nolan, she couldn't force him to stay.

Nolan had gone abroad for further studies and was later retained by a prestigious foreign university as a young professor. Since then, he had stayed abroad.

Thinking about how they hadn't seen each other for years and now had to face separation again, Isabella couldn't help but feel a wave of sadness.

Nolan noticed her expression and a meaningful smile appeared on his lips. "Isabella, Do you want me to stay?"

"Of course," Isabella blurted out, "We haven't seen each other for years. I really miss you, Nolan."

Nolan's smile deepened, making him look fresh and gentle, giving off an approachable vibe. "Since it's your wish, I'll stay."

Isabella was stunned, thinking she had misheard. "Nolan, are you serious?"

Nolan didn't tease her anymore and nodded. "A university here has offered me a position, so I plan to stay in the country."

He lowered his eyes and said calmly, "Grandpa's health has been deteriorating in recent years. I want to spend more time with him while I can."

Nolan made it sound simple, but Isabella knew how much he had sacrificed.

In three years, he had already established a solid foundation abroad. Suddenly returning to start over was a significant sacrifice.

She bit her lip and her gaze fell on Nolan's legs, which were in a wheelchair.

She wanted to ask him what had happened, but she was afraid of touching a sore spot in front of others. Just as she was hesitating, Violet suddenly spoke up, "Ms. Taylor, I wanted to ask about the handsome man who was standing with you at the banquet. He's so attractive. Could you introduce me?"

Isabella was momentarily stunned but quickly realized who she was talking about.

Except for the gift-giving segment by her uncles, the only person standing next to her was Michael.

She couldn't help but notice that Violet's eyes sparkled with interest when she mentioned Michael.

Before she could respond, Nolan's face darkened slightly, and he said calmly, "Violet, don't forget why you came back. Don't ask about people you shouldn't be interested in."

Violet bit her lip and didn't dare to argue.

Isabella also felt a bit awkward.

From her standpoint, Michael would soon have nothing to do with her, but Nolan was defending Michael for her sake.

After all, they weren't officially divorced yet.

But now, she no longer cared about such things. "Nolan, it's okay. It's normal for people to be attracted to beautiful things and people. Besides, Violet is around my age. It's common for her to be interested in someone like Michael."

Nolan still frowned, but Isabella no longer cared.

She took a couple of steps forward and said to Violet, "The man you're talking about is Michael, my husband."

"This..." Violet seemed surprised and covered her mouth.

But if Isabella looked closely, she would find Violet's surprise didn't reach her eyes; it was just on the surface.

"I'm really sorry, Ms. Taylor. I didn't know you were couple ." Violet apologized.

Isabella shook her head. "No need to apologize. We've already filed for divorce, so we're not really a couple anymore. If you like him, feel free to pursue him. I don't mind."

Although she said it, she still feel hurt inside.

But wasn't the outcome between her and Michael already clear? They were destined to be impossible.

With his looks and family background, someone new would soon appear by his side, a fact she had to face, so letting go early was something she had to do.

Perhaps shocked by Isabella's words, Violet awkwardly smiled and found an excuse to leave the balcony.

In the small space, only she and Nolan were left.

Isabella found a place to sit and looked out the window with Nolan.

"Isabella, is it really impossible between you and Michael?" Nolan asked.

At that time, during the phone call, Isabella's tone had a hint of anger. He thought she was just mad at Michael.

After all, he had seen how much Isabella liked Michael. How could she bear to let him go?

But now, he had to reassess their relationship.

Isabella let out a sarcastic laugh. "Nolan, I'm not joking. We've already signed the divorce papers. In a while, we really won't have anything to do with each other."

Nolan wanted to say something but didn't, because he didn't want to make her uncomfortable.

Knowing he was worried about her, Isabella took a deep breath. "Nolan, whether I divorce him or not, you and Grandpa will always be my family."

In her heart, she had long considered them her family, just like Daniel.

Michael had only looked away for a moment, and Isabella had slipped away.

He was searching for her in the crowd when a sexy woman in high heels blocked his way.

She said with a seductive voice , "Mr. Brown, who are you looking for?"

Michael squinted and frowned.

This woman had a completely unfamiliar face, yet he felt an inexplicable sense of familiarity from her.

"Do you know me?" Michael squinted his eyes and asked coldly.

Given his status and position in Evergreen City, many women boldly approached him at various events, but she dared to block his way openly.

She didn't even consider whose banquet it was today. Was she stupid or doing it on purpose?

"Let me introduce myself. I'm Violet!" Violet raised an eyebrow and extended her hand to Michael, her gaze openly showing her interest and desire for him.

From start to finish, her eyes were fixed on him.

Michael had seen all kinds of women over the years, but Violet was the first to treat him as someone she could casually flirt with just because she was interested.

If it were someone else, it might have piqued their curiosity, but he disliked and even detested her behavior.

Seeing Violet's slender hand awkwardly hanging in the air, Michael raised an eyebrow, took a glass of red wine from a passing waiter, and took a sip.

"You've got the wrong person. I'm not interested in your type. Even if you're different from others, I wouldn't give you a second look." With that, Michael casually placed the wine glass aside and turned to leave.

He was in a hurry to find Isabella.

Was Isabella convinced he hadn't prepared a birthday gift for her, so she wouldn't even wait for him for a minute.