Chapter 488

Michael wanted to chase after her, but he knew Isabella was the last person who wanted to see him right now.

Even though it hurt, he had to keep his feelings in check.

Otherwise, how would he be any different from before?

After Isabella accepted the gemstone pendant, Aiden's mood visibly lifted, and he seemed much more energetic.

With Michael's help, he sat up and reached out to Nolan.

He wanted Nolan to come over; he had something to ask.

"Nolan, is everything sorted out?"

Nolan nodded, "Yeah, Grandpa. Everything's taken care of. But this time, the mess was huge and it hurt the company's reputation. It's on me, and I deserve any blame you throw my way."

This whole mess started because of him, and the company's losses were definitely tied to his actions.

He had underestimated the Adri Family's ambition and methods, leading to the Brown Group suffering this impact and loss.

Nolan couldn't deny that.

If he hadn't been blinded by his desire for revenge and made deals with the Adri Family, he wouldn't have brought this trouble upon them, nor would he have put the Brown Group at such risk.

His thirst for revenge had turned him into a pawn in someone else's game.

He had harmed the Brown Group and the business he had once built with his own hands.

There were some things he couldn't bring himself to say in front of his grandfather.

He knew too well the Adri Family's ambition and greed.

Now that they had their sights set on the Brown Group, they wouldn't let go easily. This negative impact was just a small warning.

If he continued to resist them, the Brown Group's financial chain would break, or they would be cornered by the Adri Family, ultimately leading to bankruptcy.

The Adri Family would be the biggest beneficiaries of this scheme.

Hearing that the situation was resolved, Aiden finally breathed a sigh of relief. "As long as it's resolved, I don't blame you."

Saying this, Aiden reached out and held Nolan's hand, giving it a reassuring pat.

It was as if he was telling Nolan not to be afraid, that no matter what happened, his grandfather would always be there to support him.

This warm sentiment was something Nolan had never experienced before.

Or rather, he had always thought these gestures were reserved for Michael.

Nolan was momentarily stunned.

All his life, he had been seen as dispensable by everyone. All the affection was given to Michael, while he was met with disdain.

Now, after causing such a big mess, he had expected Aiden to scold him or strip him of his CEO position.

But Aiden didn't blame him at all.

Could it be that Aiden, knowing he didn't have much time left, had developed a sense of pity for Nolan?

Nolan couldn't figure it out, but he couldn't bring himself to believe that he had finally received his grandfather's affection.

After a few more words, Aiden was forced to rest by the doctor.

Having just undergone surgery and given his age, the best way for him to recover was to rest well and avoid stress.

Following Aiden's instructions, Michael took the wheelchair from behind Nolan and pushed him out of the room.

They reached the end of the hallway.

Away from the room, Michael no longer needed to maintain the facade of brotherly love with Nolan.

He stood by the window, opened it, lit a cigarette, and gazed out with an unreadable expression.

But his question was directed at Nolan, "Is the issue with Leanne Corporation really resolved?"

Nolan might have fooled their grandfather, but he couldn't fool Michael.

With such a big stir online, if someone hadn't been backing Leanne Corporation, that small company wouldn't have dared to challenge the Brown Group so openly.

Whatever Nolan meant by "resolved," it must have involved some deal with the Adri Family.

"The company's matters are under my management now. If I say it's resolved, then it's resolved. Don't forget your current status; you no longer have the right to question me."

Michael was so tall that Nolan had to look up from his wheelchair to speak to him.

This made him uncomfortable.

But what bothered him more was that Isabella had accepted the gemstone pendant.

He couldn't help but sneer, "Michael, are you questioning me because you think you've won?"

Michael was puzzled.

He frowned and looked at Nolan, his voice cold, "What do you mean by that? Are you trying to provoke me?"

Everyone knew the company was in Nolan's hands now. Even with their grandfather seriously ill, there was no intention of changing the successor.

Wasn't this what Nolan had always dreamed of?

Clearly, Nolan had gained the most, yet he was asking if Michael thought he had won. Was Nolan out of his mind?

Provoke?

Nolan's lips curled into a mocking smile. 'Cut the act-it's just us here. You used Grandpa's illness to manipulate Isabella into accepting that pendant and getting back with you. After all these years, she still picked you in the end. You won, didn't you? What, am I supposed to pop champagne for you two?"

Nolan said this with a smile, but his heart was bleeding.

He couldn't understand.

He loved Isabella more, cared for her just as much as Michael did.

But why did Isabella always choose Michael over him?

Even when he confessed, she rejected him without hesitation.

She even said she never had feelings for him.

Michael was momentarily stunned by Nolan's words.

He quickly realized that Nolan had misunderstood the scene in the hospital room.

But so what?

He had no obligation to explain to Nolan.

Not long ago, Nolan had told him that Isabella truly loved Nolan, not Michael.

He even said that Isabella had married Michael because she saw him as a stand-in for Nolan.

This misunderstanding had deepened the rift between him and Isabella, causing them to miss out on each other.

Now, he could finally let Nolan feel what it was like to be on the receiving end of such a misconception.

He had to admit, it felt pretty good.

Seeing the resentment in Nolan's eyes, Michael raised an eyebrow in satisfaction and nodded deliberately.

"Feel free to congratulate us! Honestly, Isabella and I might not have gotten back together without your help. We're planning a big wedding for our second time around - you've gotta be there as our witness! And hey, no pressure, but we're totally looking forward to your gift!"