Chapter 4

John was fuming because Isabella wasn't picking up his calls. Just then, Bianca, in her hospital gown and pushing a wheelchair, rolled up next to him.

"John, don't be mad at Isabella. It's my fault. I betrayed her first by taking away you. She's probably heartbroken and that's why she's ignoring your calls," Bianca said, holding John's hand with a sad look.

John gently touched Bianca's face, gazing at her lovingly. "It's not your fault. I never liked Isabella. My grandpa set up that engagement. You're the one I truly love. Once you get your kidney transplant, I'll explain everything to my grandpa and then we'll get married."

"Thank you, John," Bianca's eyes filled with grateful tears.

John hugged Bianca, completely missing the malicious glint in her tear-filled eyes.

'Damn Isabella, why aren't you dead yet, you wretched woman? If it weren't for you, I'd have married John ages ago. Once my plan is done, I'll make sure you die on that operating table,' Bianca thought, seething with hatred.

Meanwhile, Isabella had no clue about the plot against her. She dreamt she was a distressed princess, saved by a mysterious prince.

When Isabella woke up, it was already morning.

The staff arrived just in time to free Michael and Isabella from the big net.

"Sleeping on this net, I still prefer a bed," Michael stretched and glanced at Isabella beside him.

"So, where to next? How about I take you to get a new phone?" Michael suggested.

Isabella shook her head. "No need, I have another phone at a friend's place. I can use my old one."

Michael nodded and handed her the car keys. "I guess you're not suicidal anymore, so I trust you to drive back now."

Isabella rolled her eyes. Yesterday, she thought she was a goner.

"Well, I guess this is goodbye." Isabella took the keys and got ready to leave, not even thinking about giving Michael a ride.

Suddenly, Michael called out from behind, "Don't you want to get revenge? A real princess would crush the villains' plans and make them pay!"

Isabella paused, silent for a few seconds, then waved without looking back. "Got it. Thanks for the tip."

Michael watched her leave. With his influence, he could easily help Isabella handle everything, but he had other matters to attend to.

After a while, a Rolls-Royce pulled up, and the driver respectfully invited Michael into the car.

"Mr. Williams, the driver of the crashed car is dead; our lead is cut off," the driver said coldly while driving.

Michael's eyes turned icy, a smirk playing on his lips. "I just got back to the country and received such a big 'gift.' If I don't return the favor, wouldn't that be rude?"

The driver kept quiet, knowing Michael's plans were always hush-hush until they were set in motion.

"Mr. Williams, Mr. Mason Williams wanted me to remind you about the banquet tonight," the driver said.

"Got it," Michael replied.

Meanwhile, Isabella drove over to her best friend Amelia Martinez's place.

As soon as Amelia saw her, she rushed over, "Isabella, where were you last night? I couldn't reach you. I was so worried."

Seeing Amelia's anxious face, Isabella felt a warmth in her heart. Amelia was one of the few people who genuinely cared about her.

"It's fine, my phone broke. Can you give me my old one?" After Amelia found the old phone, Isabella popped in her SIM card. The moment it powered up, she saw a bunch of missed calls.

Some were from her parents, but most were from John.

Seeing John's name, Isabella's eyes filled with disgust, and she remembered Michael's words.

'Michael's right. Why should I let them walk all over me? I need to get back at that witch Bianca and that jerk John!' Isabella thought, clenching her fists.

Suddenly, Amelia gasped, "Isabella, are you married? This guy is so handsome. Who is he?"

Isabella's bag had fallen, and Amelia had spotted the marriage documents inside.

"His name is Michael. He's just a junior employee at some company," Isabella said, taking the documents with a sigh. John was awful, but Michael didn't seem much better.

Who would take their newlywed wife to such a dangerous activity right after getting married?

"They have the same last name as John. Too bad he's not John's elder; you could've really rubbed it in John's face," Amelia said, knowing Isabella's situation.

Just then, Isabella's phone rang again, but it wasn't John this time-it was Mason.

After the call, Mason told Isabella the exact time of the banquet and hoped she could make it.

Isabella sighed after hanging up.

Amelia noticed and asked, "Are you worried that telling Mr. Williams the truth will upset him and make his health worse?"

Isabella nodded. "I plan to tell him at the right time, but a banquet isn't the place for it."

"I can see you're nervous. Want me to come with you?" Amelia offered.

Isabella shook her head. "I'll handle this on my own."

She declined Amelia's offer, not knowing that Michael would also be at the family banquet.

LuxeHaven Retreat.

In a luxurious private room, only a few people were seated, with Mason, the head of the Williams Family, at the head of the table. Sitting next to Mason was Isabella's new husband, Michael.

If Isabella were here, she'd be shocked by the conversation, as Michael referred to Mason as "uncle."