Chapter 29

Isabella showed up right on time at the spot they agreed on. She stared at the door of the private room, feeling a bundle of nerves. Today, she was finally going to meet the mysterious tycoon everyone talked about.

Taking a deep breath, Isabella knocked on the door.

The door creaked open, and to her surprise, it was Michael standing there.

"Michael? What are you doing here?" Isabella's eyes widened in shock.

Michael gave a small smile. "Why can't I be here?"

"Wait a minute, are you..." Isabella's hand flew to her mouth as a wild thought crossed her mind, even though it seemed crazy.

Just as she was about to ask if Michael was John's uncle, her phone rang.

It was Mason.

"Hey, Isabella. Sorry, but John's uncle had an emergency and can't make it. He asked me to apologize for him," Mason's cheerful voice came through the line.

Isabella let out a sigh of relief. Even though John's uncle didn't show up, at least she knew Michael wasn't him.

"No worries, Mason. He must be really busy. We can reschedule," Isabella replied politely before hanging up.

Turning back to Michael, she said with a resigned smile, "I was supposed to meet someone, but it looks like they bailed on me."

Michael shrugged. "Same here. I was meeting a client, but their flight got delayed."

Isabella chuckled. "Seems like we're both out of luck today. How about we grab a bite together?"

Michael nodded in agreement.

As they drove, Michael asked, "I overheard your call. You were meeting John's uncle? Why?"

"Yeah, he helped me out with something. I can already picture Pearl's face when she finds out. It's gonna be priceless," Isabella laughed, covering her mouth.

Michael grinned. "So, what do you think this mysterious John's uncle looks like?"

Isabella tilted her head, thinking. "He must have that aristocratic vibe. If this were the Middle Ages, he'd totally be a king!"

Michael's smile grew wider, clearly pleased with her description.

"I heard he's still single at his age." Isabella said, glancing at Michael.

Michael's expression darkened a bit. "Maybe he's just too busy with work to date."

"Really? A guy like him wouldn't turn down someone like Pearl, would he? She's not exactly a saint, but she's definitely pretty. Yet, he seems uninterested," Isabella mused.

"Guys like him care about more than just looks. They value character too. Let's not jump to conclusions. How about we decide where to eat?" Michael cut her off, worried about where her thoughts might lead.

Just as Isabella was pondering their next meal, her phone rang again. It was her mom, Mia.

"Isabella, come home quick. Your dad had an accident," Mia's voice was frantic.

Michael overheard and immediately sped towards Isabella's place.

He drove like a man on a mission, and they reached the Taylor Villa in no time. Michael parked outside but stayed in the car. He and Isabella's parents didn't exactly see eye to eye, and it was best to avoid any unnecessary drama.

Isabella rushed inside, and Mia led her straight to the bedroom. There, Jasper lay on the bed, looking pale with a mark on his neck.

"Dad, what happened? What's going on?" Isabella asked, her voice shaking as she leaned over him.

Jasper opened his eyes, glanced at her, and then shut them again, clearly not wanting to talk.

Isabella turned to Mia, desperate for answers.

With tears streaming down her face, Mia sighed. "Your father tried to kill himself today. John pulled all his investments, and your dad thought the Taylor Family was done for. I found him just in time."

Isabella was stunned. "But I gave the family $30 million! That should be enough to keep the company running."

Jasper opened his eyes again, glaring at her. "That $30 million won't last. I've told you, without John, we're finished."

Mia grabbed Isabella's hand, crying. "Isabella, you need to divorce and remarry John! The company is your father's life work. This is the only way to save him. Do you want to see us die?"

Isabella's face went pale. She stood up, glaring at her parents. "Are you asking me to die for the company? Do I mean nothing to you?"

Mia looked down, unable to meet her eyes. Jasper struggled to sit up, pointing at her angrily. "I don't believe John wants to kill you! Even if he did, it has nothing to do with us!"

Isabella felt dizzy, unable to believe her parents were pushing her to this.

The room fell silent. After a few minutes, Isabella suddenly burst into bitter laughter.

"This is just great. I've never been so disappointed. No, I'm beyond that. You want me to marry John? Fine. You want me to die? I'll grant your wish." Tears streamed down her face as she staggered out the door.

Mia watched her leave, worried. "Will she really go through with this?"

Jasper snorted. "Don't worry. She won't let us die. She'll do whatever we ask."

He touched his neck, wincing in pain. "Damn it, couldn't you have been a bit gentler when you strangled me? You almost choked me for real."