Chapter 117

With her exquisite makeup, graceful figure, and a luxurious dress paired with a precious sapphire necklace, Isabella stunned the entire crowd as soon as she appeared.

Amidst the envious gazes, Isabella made her way to the center of the banquet.

However, seeing that Isabella was accompanied by Thomas instead of Michael, the smile on Daniel's face instantly vanished.

"Where's Michael? The person standing next to you should be him. Why isn't he here?" Daniel asked while looking around for Michael.

Isabella secretly rubbed her forehead. After the late-night fuss yesterday, she almost forgot that Daniel didn't know about Michael's injury.

Even if he wasn't injured, given their current relationship, he probably wouldn't attend her birthday party.

She concealed her panic and hugged Daniel's arm, explaining coquettishly, "Grandpa, don't be mad. Michael didn't skip the party; he was genuinely held up by something. You know he's in charge of the entire Brown Group now, so he's bound to be busy. He'll make it up to me later."

After last night's argument, Isabella didn't want to see Michael at all.

However, Daniel nodded trustingly, "It's good for young people to be career-focused. Michael is so responsible; I feel at ease leaving you with him."

Just as Isabella breathed a sigh of relief, Daniel asked another question, "He's not here, but what about his gift?"

Hearing that, Isabella fell silent.

"Grandpa, he'll give me the gift tonight. It's just a little fun between us young people. Please don't ask anymore." Isabella pretended to be shy to avoid Daniel's questioning.

She was afraid that if Daniel kept asking, the truth would be exposed.

Seeing this, Thomas also came over to help calm Daniel down. "Dad, Isabella has said they would celebrate privately tonight. It's a good time for our family now. Besides, so many guests are here. If you get angry now, what will people think of the Wilson Family?"

Hearing that, Daniel finally said no more.

He was escorted to the main seat by Thomas, greeting and chatting with the guests.

Isabella's birthday party caused a huge sensation in Evergreen City. Everyone of status in the city attended, and many even came from the eastern part of Valoria.

Isabella was surrounded by her four handsome uncles, shining like a star among them, as if she became the little princess of the Wilson Family again.

She interacted with the crowd with ease, until Daniel's angry roar shattered the beautiful scene.

Isabella and her uncles quickly came to Daniel's side. "Grandpa, what's wrong?"

Daniel's face was dark, clearly very upset. "They said Michael didn't come because you two are getting a divorce. It's outrageous."

Isabella was shocked, wondering if Daniel knew it.

Before she could find an excuse, Daniel angrily instructed, "Isabella, call Michael right now and tell him to come over! I know Michael well. He's such a grateful person; he wouldn't do something like this."

Daniel's trust in Michael was so high that Isabella found it unbelievable.

But if she called him now, the truth would be exposed.

After all, they had just had a fight last night.

"Grandpa, Michael really can't come right now. He's busy with something else. Can we talk about this later?" Isabella used the same excuse to explain to Daniel.

But this time, Daniel didn't believe her. "Isabella, tell me the truth. Did you and Michael have a fight, and that's why he didn't come to your birthday party? And the talk about having a baby, was that a lie too?"

As the once-famous Gambling King, nothing could escape his eyes.

Isabella was so nervous that she was about to break into a cold sweat.

She could only pretend to be calm, squatting down to explain to Daniel, "Grandpa, don't get upset over a single comment. How could I lie to you about that? Besides, Grandpa Aiden personally told you about it. Even if you don't believe me, you can't not believe him, right?"

But as for her and Michael's situation, she would hide it as long as she could.

She turned to her uncles for help, who were well aware of her situation with Michael.

Atticus, who always protected her, quickly spoke up, "Dad, today is Isabella's birthday party. Don't scare her. We can talk about this later."

Daniel looked down at Isabella. He cared deeply for her, but the more he cared, the less he could stand hearing rumors about her and Michael getting a divorce.

Daniel added, "Isabella, I'm worried about you. Call Michael, and I'll talk to him myself. He can't be so busy that he can't spare a moment."

"Grandpa, do you really have to make it so difficult for him?" Seeing that she couldn't persuade him, Isabella wiped her eyes, pretending to be aggrieved.

Michael might still be in the hospital. After their fight last night, he might not even answer her call, let alone come to her birthday party.

But Daniel, agitated, insisted on seeing Michael.

Even her uncles took turns trying to persuade him, but it was no use. Isabella was on the verge of tears.

If Daniel found out about the divorce, the consequences would be unimaginable.

Atticus and the others were also at a loss, their faces tense.

In the Wilson Family, no one dared to openly defy Daniel, expect for Isabella.

Daniel valued her more than anyone. If he found out she was being mistreated by Michael and they were getting a divorce, no one dared to imagine what he might do in his anger.

Just then, a commotion erupted outside.

Michael walked through the crowd, and everyone made way for him.

"Who spread the rumor? Mr. Brown is here in person. Anyone who talks nonsense again will be thrown out."

"Yes, Mr. Brown, please go talk to Mr. Wilson. He was so upset because you didn't come."

"Really? I came late and made Mr. Wilson angry. I'll go apologize. Please enjoy yourselves." Michael's face carried a faint smile. His deep black luxury suit made him look even more tall and elegant, exuding a noble and graceful aura.

His assistant took his coat, and Michael calmly walked towards Isabella.

It was clear that Michael had rushed over, so the rumors were instantly dispelled.

Even if the online gossip was intense, no one present dared to say another word.

Michael was the pinnacle of Valoria's southern elite, the heir of the Brown Family. Isabella was the ruler of Valoria's east, the heiress to the Wilson Family. No one dared to offend one of them.

"Grandpa, I'm sorry for being late!" Standing before Daniel, Michael explained apologetically, "There was an unexpected meeting at the company, which delayed me. I'm sorry for making you worry!"