Chapter 494

"I'll help you put on a show for your Grandpa, just like you helped me before."

Aiden was family, and she couldn't just let him leave with regrets.

She wasn't that heartless.

When her grandfather was gravely ill, Michael had pretended to be a loving husband to comfort him. Now, she would repay that favor.

"Bella, we shouldn't have..."

"It doesn't matter what should or shouldn't be. I don't like owing anyone. After this, we're even."

Isabella didn't want to hear any more of his explanations. She pushed him away and left.

Michael's words today had shaken her deeply. She feared that if she didn't leave now, she would be swayed by his sweet talk again.

She didn't want to experience the pain and suffering of the past once more.

After Isabella left, Michael stood there, unable to snap out of it.

She still didn't believe him?

Why? He had made it very clear that he liked her, only her.

But she thought his confession was just a ploy to gain the Wilson family's power and influence. She preferred to believe that his love had ulterior motives rather than accept that he genuinely liked her.

Michael couldn't understand why Isabella reacted this way to his confession.

He could feel that Isabella still had feelings for him, and he loved her deeply. Why did she have to pretend?

Michael was perplexed and decided to seek advice on his relationship troubles.

But after thinking it over, the only friend he could call on was Ethan, who didn't even have a steady girlfriend and was always playing around. Ethan wouldn't be much help.

However, there was another example right in front of him.

Aaron.

After Isabella left, Michael returned to Aaron's hospital room.

Aaron, who had just watched Isabella leave, was surprised to see Michael back so soon.

"Mr. Brown, didn't you leave?"

Michael awkwardly rubbed his nose, not planning to reveal that Isabella had rejected his confession.

He made up an excuse, "I don't have anything else to do, so I thought I'd stay and keep you company."

Having worked for Michael for years, Aaron could see through his boss's unease.

But he didn't call him out on it.

He just smiled and invited Michael to sit.

Their unusual behavior made Renee uncomfortable. Aaron was her boyfriend, and Michael, as his boss, seemed oblivious to the situation.

He had already visited once, but now he was back and wouldn't leave?

"Mr. Brown, Aaron may be your subordinate, but he's still recovering. The doctor said he needs rest and shouldn't have visitors for too long."

Renee's protective stance made Michael both envious and jealous.

If only Isabella was this attentive with him, he'd be thrilled.

"Aaron, Aaron, can you rein in your girlfriend? I'm just sitting here, not planning to camp out all day."

Michael's tone was exasperated, with a hint of self-pity.

As a fellow man, Aaron immediately understood Michael's frustration.

So he held Renee's hand and said, "Renee, I'm fine. But you haven't slept well these past few days. Why don't you go home, get some rest, and eat something?"

Even though Aaron didn't want to part with his girlfriend, Michael was his boss. He couldn't just leave him hanging.

Aaron's words were clearly meant to send her away.

Was he choosing his boss over his girlfriend?

Renee was furious. "You want me to leave? What if something happens to you while I'm gone? The doctor said you shouldn't be left alone."

Aaron hesitated.

Michael was a distinguished member of the Brown family, even if he was no longer the CEO of the Brown Group. His status was still significant.

How could Michael stay in the hospital for a subordinate?

As they both refused to back down, Michael suddenly spoke up.

"I can stay and take care of Aaron. You can go home for now. If you're worried, you can come back first thing in the morning."

Michael's sincere and serious tone showed his determination.

He wasn't leaving.

This surprised not only Renee but also Aaron lying in the hospital bed.

They exchanged a look, both seeing disbelief in each other's eyes.

Renee couldn't help but smirk and whispered to Aaron, "Did I hear that right? Your boss wants to stay in the hospital with you all night?"

Who would believe that?

Aaron looked down, feeling guilty.

What could he do? Michael was facing a problem he couldn't solve.

But he couldn't tell Renee directly. She'd run straight to Isabella the minute he opened his mouth.

Why did he, of all people-just an assistant-always end up making these impossible calls?

Seeing this, Michael stepped in to help.

"Renee, Aaron and I have been like brothers for years. I just want to discuss some things with him, so I'm taking up some of your time together. If it affects your relationship, I apologize."

It was rare for Michael to explain so much.

Renee wasn't stupid. Isabella had just left, and now Michael was here, wanting to stay and take care of Aaron.

It was clear he wanted to get information about Isabella from Aaron.

She wasn't worried about Michael's schemes but about Aaron's post-surgery condition.

"I'll go. Are you sure you'll be okay alone in the hospital?"

Renee looked at Aaron with concern.

Seeing Renee finally relent, Aaron quickly nodded.

"Of course. Besides, I can't move much, so nothing will happen. If something does, I'll call the doctor and nurses. You haven't rested well on the boat and stayed up all night. Go home and get some sleep."

Since Aaron insisted, Renee didn't want to dampen his spirits.

She nodded, squeezed Aaron's hand, and said, "Alright, I'll stay at Ms. Taylor's tonight. Call me if you need anything. And..."

Renee lowered her voice, issuing a warning.

"I don't care what you two talk about, but if I find out you're conspiring with Michael against Isabella, I'll do whatever it takes!"