Chapter 77

Pearl was floored when she saw Michael.

Before she could even utter a word, Michael slapped her hard across the face. Her cheek puffed up, and she even spat out a tooth.

"Michael, what are you doing here? Did Isabella lure you?" Pearl stammered, clutching her face and backing away in fear.

Her words were garbled from the swelling, and Isabella couldn't make out what she was saying.

Michael ignored Pearl and went straight to Isabella, his face full of concern.

"I'm sorry, Isabella. I'm late," he said, pulling her into a tight hug.

"It's okay, I knew you'd come," Isabella replied, tears of relief streaming down her face. No one knew how terrified she had been just moments ago.

Pearl finally caught on that something was off. The way Isabella and Michael interacted wasn't like a fling; it was more like a loving couple.

"No wonder you turned down John's proposal. You're already in love with Michael! You're his secret wife!" Pearl shouted, but her voice was still unclear.

"What is she saying?" Isabella asked, looking at Michael, confused.

Michael couldn't make out Pearl's words either, but he had a pretty good idea.

"Ignore her. Her mouth's swollen. Once it heals, I'll have someone question her," Michael said, gently patting Isabella's back to comfort her.

Pearl lost it completely. She spotted a sharp piece of iron on the ground, grabbed it, and charged at Michael.

"You bastards, go to hell!" she screamed, the iron piece getting dangerously close to Michael's back.

Isabella was the first to notice. She shoved Michael out of the way, taking the hit herself.

The sharp iron pierced her body, and blood soaked her clothes.

"Isabella!" Michael yelled, furious. He rushed over and kicked Pearl hard, sending her flying into the wall, where she passed out.

Isabella looked at her wound, feeling the searing pain and the cold grip of death.

"Michael, I'm so scared," she whispered, collapsing into his arms.

"You'll be fine. I'm getting you to the hospital now!" Michael said, scooping her up and running towards the helicopter outside.

Not long after Michael left, Jerry and his crew walked in.

Jerry surveyed the four bodies on the ground and the unconscious Pearl.

He waved his hand and ordered his men, "Strip the clothes off the bodies, knock out their teeth, crush them into powder, and burn everything in the incinerator. As for Pearl, take her away."

Two of his guys stepped forward, grabbed Pearl, and dragged her into a car before driving off.

Outside the ward, Michael waited anxiously by the operating room. He had contacted Benjamin before boarding the plane. When he brought Isabella to the hospital, Benjamin was already in surgical scrubs, ready to go.

While waiting for Isabella's surgery, Jerry came up to Michael and quietly let him know that Pearl was secured.

Michael's face was ice-cold. "Find out what she planned to do to Isabella, then do the same to her," he said to Jerry.

Jerry nodded and left the hospital.

Not long after Jerry left, the operating room door swung open, and Benjamin wheeled Isabella out.

Michael rushed over to Benjamin. "How is she? Is it serious?"

Benjamin shook his head. Normally, he might've cracked a joke, but he knew how worried Michael was and didn't want to mess around.

Taking off his gloves, Benjamin patted Michael's shoulder. "Don't worry. Thanks to the helicopter, you got her here quickly, and her wounds aren't too severe. She should regain consciousness soon."

Michael finally relaxed a bit. He looked at Isabella lying unconscious on the hospital bed, a pained expression on his face.

Once Isabella was settled in her room, Michael sat by her bedside, keeping a quiet vigil.

As time passed, sunlight streamed through the window, and Isabella slowly opened her eyes.

She looked around, realizing she was in a hospital room. She also noticed her hand was being held. Turning her head, she saw Michael, asleep by her side.

Her movement woke Michael, who quickly looked up at her.

"You're awake! Benjamin! Benjamin, get in here!" Michael shouted.

Benjamin hurried in from his office. Seeing Isabella awake, he sighed in relief. "You scared me. I thought something had gone wrong."

He walked over to Isabella, checked on her, and after confirming she was okay, left the room to give them some privacy.

"I'm sorry for making you worry," Isabella said, holding Michael's hand and giving him a weak smile.

Michael looked at her, silent but determined. He reached into his pocket, pulled out a small gift box, and opened it to reveal a pink diamond ring.

Isabella's eyes widened in surprise.

"Benjamin told me I should plan a romantic proposal and then put the ring on your finger. I was preparing for it, but after what happened today, I don't want to wait any longer. Now feels like the perfect time," Michael said, suddenly dropping to one knee in front of her.

"Ms. Taylor, will you marry me?" he asked, holding the gift box and looking at her with love.

"Yes, I will!" Isabella's pale face lit up with a smile. She extended her hand, tears of joy in her eyes.

Michael smiled as he gently slid the ring onto her finger.