Chapter 226

Under Michael's gaze, Isabella slowly and firmly pushed his hand away.

In a calm tone, as if speaking to a stranger, she said, "Let go. Once Grandpa Daniel's health improves, we'll finalize the divorce. It won't take long."

With that, she left the second floor without looking back.

In the hall, Aiden, who was worried about their relationship, was pacing back and forth.

Seeing Isabella come down so quickly, Aiden was about to ask something when he saw Michael, injured and holding onto the railing, hurrying down after her.

Isabella said unhurriedly, "Grandpa Aiden, it's getting late. I'll head back now. Grandpa Daniel is still waiting at home. I won't stay any longer today."

Given the situation, Aiden, wanting to help Michael, couldn't insist on Isabella staying.

He could only nod, "Alright, send my regards to Daniel. Tell him I'll visit as soon as I have time."

"Okay, I'll be going then."

Just as Isabella finished speaking, a hoarse voice called out from behind, "Isabella."

She paused and turned to see Michael, who had chased her from the second floor.

The carpeted stairs had muffled his steps, so she hadn't heard him coming.

Michael's eyes were too complex for Isabella to decipher.

But with Aiden present, she couldn't clarify their relationship and could only respond with a smile, "Michael, you're injured. Go back and rest. I'll visit when I have time."

Her eyes curved into a smile, but there was no emotion in them.

These were not her true feelings.

She was merely putting on a show of affection to avoid worrying Aiden.

While Michael was lost in thought, Isabella had already walked away.

Standing in the hall, Aiden, looking disappointed, shouted at him, "Michael, what are you daydreaming about? Isabella's leaving. Aren't you going to say something?"

If he couldn't bear to let her go, why didn't he do something instead of regretting it?

Michael snapped out of it and hurried outside. Injured, he moved slowly, and Isabella, at the door on a call, didn't notice him approaching.

"Nolan, have you been busy these days? Why did it take you so long to call me?"

Though her tone was normal, there was a hint of coquettishness in Isabella's words.

It was as if she was chiding Nolan for not caring about her.

Michael's face turned pale, and he froze on the spot.

On the other end of the call was Nolan.

But Isabella's tone and demeanor were completely different from when she faced him.

There was no coldness or indifference.

At this moment, she was a woman who expressed her emotions, who would act coquettishly, flatter, and even question someone she cared about.

And all of this was directed at his biological brother, Nolan!

"Isabella!"

How could she treat him like this? He, Michael, was her lawful husband, the father of her unborn child. How could she ignore him like this?

"Who is it?"

Holding her phone, Isabella turned around in surprise to see Michael, in pajamas and slippers, with a dark expression.

Seeing Michael like this, Isabella didn't spare him a glance and continued her call.

"Yes, I'm at the Brown Family. He's just seeing me off, nothing more."

"You have time recently? Great. Of course, I have time if you come to me."

Holding her phone, Isabella walked towards her car, completely ignoring Michael.

"Tomorrow at 3 PM, Sweet Haven. Don't be late."

"You don't know how much I've been craving strawberry cake. Just looking at pictures makes my mouth water. Tomorrow, I'll indulge myself. Oh, come on, with you around, nothing will happen."

The car started smoothly and soon drove away from the Brown Villa.

Standing there, Michael clenched his fists tightly. 'Nolan! Just wait.'

Isabella had initially wavered on the idea of divorce, but Nolan's return had strained their relationship.

If Nolan dared to get involved with Isabella, how could he do nothing? Was he even a man?

Standing outside the door, Michael trembled uncontrollably. Suddenly, a weight settled on his shoulder.

A coat was draped over him.

Behind him, Violet's voice sounded, "You're so focused on chasing her that you forgot you're injured. What if you catch a cold and get a fever?"

Violet's every word compared her to Isabella.

She had witnessed everything from upstairs.

Isabella's indifference towards Michael gave her an opportunity. She believed that with her tenderness, Michael would surely respond.

"Oh, your hand is so cold. It's my fault. I should have stopped you. If you feel unwell, I'll be heartbroken."

As she spoke, Violet held his hand, her concern barely masking her love.

Michael's eyes darkened. For a moment, he even mistook Violet for Isabella.

If only Isabella cared for him like this.

Perhaps it was his mind playing tricks, but the more he looked at Violet, the more she resembled Isabella. He couldn't help but tighten his grip, wanting to pull Violet into his arms and never let go.

But before he could touch Violet, he realized something was wrong!

No! She wasn't Isabella; she was Violet.

Isabella wouldn't treat him like this. She had left.

She had found Nolan, the one she liked, and didn't want him anymore.

At this moment, Violet's heart raced, her face flushed, and she closed her eyes, waiting for Michael's passionate kiss.

She waited for a long time, but the kiss never came. Slowly opening her eyes, she felt her wrist tighten as Michael gripped her firmly.

In an urgent tone, he said, "Come with me."

He turned away, his eyes clearing, all his affection and hesitation vanishing, replaced by a cold determination.

He needed to resolve things with Violet now.

But as Michael dragged her upstairs, Violet was overjoyed. Isabella's departure had indeed had an effect. It seemed Michael had given up on Isabella.

And his current anger could serve as a catalyst for their relationship.

The thought of being with Michael in Isabella's marital bedroom thrilled Violet.

She was just one step away from becoming Mrs. Brown.

But as Violet dreamed, she didn't expect Michael to lead her not to his and Isabella's bedroom, but to a private study next door.

As the door closed, Violet finally saw the room's layout.

She was about to ask Michael why did he bring her here when his emotionless voice rang out. "Violet, haven't you had enough of following me around?"

Violet's body stiffened. Turning around, she met Michael's piercing gaze.

Her heart trembled, but she suppressed her emotions, speaking with great grievance, "Michael, what do you mean by that? I don't understand."