Chapter 435

Atticus lowered his gaze, speaking calmly. "If that's really the case, Isabella wouldn't just throw the Wilson Family's resources at the Brown Group's problems. But she'd be right there with you, fighting by your side. She wouldn't leave you hanging."

The Wilson Family was like that-they'd sacrifice everything for their loved ones but wouldn't drain the family's resources.

Michael let out a deep breath. When he looked up, his eyes were filled with complex emotions. "Yeah, she's someone who keeps her promises. Even if it's just in name, she wouldn't abandon me, especially with her feelings for me."

Michael bit his lip, trying hard to hold back the rest of his words. "But with her health right now, she can't handle that kind of stress. You know how stubborn Isabella is, Uncle Atticus. Once she makes up her mind, there's no changing it."

"You don't need to tell me that. I know my niece." Atticus suddenly narrowed his eyes, his sharp gaze sweeping over Michael lying on the hospital bed, as if confirming something. "The Brown Group is really in trouble!"

It was a statement, not a question.

Michael's achievements while managing the Brown Group over the past few years were evident. He was appointed as the heir to the Brown Group at twenty, and then Nolan disappeared from Evergreen City. For nearly four years, Michael had single-handedly supported the entire Brown Group. He went from being doubted for his abilities compared to Nolan to becoming a well-known figure in Evergreen City. His professionalism and management skills had likely surpassed Nolan's.

But now, Michael kept mentioning the Brown Group's troubles. If it weren't true, who would curse their own company like that?

Michael rarely fell silent. He lowered his head slightly, the desolate look on his face saying it all.

The business world was like a battlefield, with ups and downs being normal, especially for a large enterprise like the Brown Group. Being targeted was common. But this time, the impact was too significant. He couldn't let Isabella know. He didn't want to drag her into this mess. Her health couldn't take any more strain.

He wasn't stupid. He could hear the pain and concern in Isabella's words earlier. She was waiting for him to say those words. Once he did, she would admit she still had feelings for him. God knows how ecstatic he was when he confirmed she still cared about him!

She cared about him. That simple sentence was like a ticket from hell to heaven for Michael. But the next second, he was back to reality.

The Brown Group was in trouble. There was a mole in his company. The Adri Family had set a massive trap for him in the Auroria mining project, where he had invested nearly a billion dollars. If he stepped into it, the Brown Group would be ensnared. And he would become a puppet in the Adri Family's hands.

So, he couldn't let Isabella know his feelings now. He knew her too well. If he confessed now, what would happen next? With the Brown Group in trouble, he would have to rush over immediately. If he didn't handle it in time, he might face even greater consequences.

At that point, he wouldn't be able to be there for Isabella. On the contrary, once Isabella found out, she'd jump right in to help him, no questions asked, tackling the problems head-on.

That was the last thing he wanted.

He hadn't been able to give her a stable life during their three years of marriage, and he already felt guilty enough.

How could he let her suffer with him again?

And there was one more crucial point.

The Adri Family's intentions were clear. Their target wasn't just the Brown Group. If he was right, once this plot succeeded, the Adri Family's next target would be the Wilson Group.

The Wilson Group was Daniel's lifelong achievement and the most important thing to Isabella.

If anyone dared to target the Wilson Group, Isabella would fight them with everything she had.

So, he had only one choice left.

He had to use the Brown Group to fight the Adri Family, even if it meant risking everything. As long as he could crush the Adri Family, it would be a victory.

Only then would the Wilson Family be safe.

That was why he had to harden his heart and say those hurtful words, preferring to drive Isabella away rather than admit he had any feelings for her.

But when she left, he thought he saw her crying.

Atticus, waiting for Michael to get to the point, finally spoke up. "The Brown Group has been under your management for years, and it's been doing better and better. How could it suddenly be in trouble?"

Michael shook his head. He already knew the answer and would handle the rest himself. "Uncle Atticus, I wasn't looking for help with what I said earlier. I just wanted to confirm something. I can handle the company. I'm just worried about Isabella."

He paused, sighed, and continued, "I owe her so much that I haven't had a chance to make up for it. How can I let her get caught up in this mess? Only by maintaining our current relationship can I protect her safety to the greatest extent."

Atticus's expression changed upon hearing this.

As a man, he understood the sincerity in Michael's words.

But he never expected Michael to hide his feelings so deeply.

He even fooled Isabella.

"Michael, you better be telling the truth, or else."

"I swear, every word I said is true. If there's any lie, I'll go to hell."

Seeing Michael's solemn oath, Atticus had no choice but to accept this reality.

No matter his reasons for hiding the truth for so long, if it was for Isabella's safety, Atticus's view of Michael changed.

Michael seemed different from what he had imagined.

Since he didn't want the Wilson Family to intervene, Atticus didn't say more.

After all, if outsiders intervened too early in company matters, it would only lead to more gossip.

Their divorce rumors had already spread. If Michael accepted the Wilson Family's help now, it would be like admitting to the public that he couldn't handle things himself.

The fact that he could still calmly arrange a way out for Isabella at this time showed that Michael had some backbone.

Atticus appreciated that.

Since the conversation had reached this point, there was no need to stay. Atticus decisively stood up and said to Michael, "I'll take care of Isabella. You don't need to worry."

With that, he left.

At the door, Atticus couldn't help but turn back and leave one last remark.

"Michael, as Isabella's uncle, I don't want the person spending the rest of her life with her to be you. But Isabella is too stubborn, I have no choice."