Chapter 497

Renee felt a wave of frustration wash over her as she thought about the situation.

She got that Aaron wanted her to come back so she could get a good night's sleep, and Michael was his old boss, making it tough for Aaron to say no to him.

But she was his girlfriend.

She was supposed to be the most important person in his life.

How could Aaron just send her back because of a boss, and even take Michael's side in everything?

It made her feel like she was being unreasonable.

Michael was just a former boss, was he really more important than his future wife?

Isabella quickly picked up on what was going on.

Renee was probably jealous.

But Olivia was taken aback.

"Renee, are you serious? Michael staying at the hospital to take care of Aaron? That's impossible, he's Aaron's boss."

For a moment, Olivia even wondered if Renee was delirious with a fever.

"Olivia, I'm telling the truth. Think about it, if he hadn't stayed at the hospital, would I have left Aaron there alone?"

Renee explained helplessly.

Even though Michael was no longer the CEO of the Brown Group, his status still commanded respect. With him there, no one would dare harm Aaron.

That's why she felt comfortable coming back.

But Isabella found it odd-why did Michael stay at the hospital?

"Renee, did Michael say why he stayed at the hospital?"

Aaron was both Michael's subordinate and trusted confidant. Michael trusted him a lot. Were they discussing something secret?

Especially now that Renee was back in the country, what if Michael wanted to use Aaron and Renee's relationship to get information about the Wilson Family? She had to be cautious.

Renee shook her head. "He didn't say, just that he wanted to stay with Aaron. But I think it's not that simple. Knowing Michael, he must have some personal matter he needs Aaron to handle, which is why he stayed."

Given past events, Renee always saw Michael as a bad guy.

Whatever Michael was planning, it couldn't be good.

She needed to prepare Isabella, to protect her from Michael.

Just then, Olivia's eyes lit up as if she had an idea.

"I know what Michael is up to."

"You do?"

Isabella looked at her in surprise, and Olivia suddenly asked her a question.

"Isabella, be honest with us. Do you still have feelings for Michael? Have you ever really gotten over him?"

Isabella bit her lip, unable to respond.

She didn't know what to say.

Especially after hearing Michael's confession at the hospital today, her mind was in turmoil.

Seeing Isabella's reaction, Olivia understood everything.

It was clear that Isabella couldn't let go of Michael.

But she couldn't blame her. She herself had loved Atticus for so many years and had fallen for him completely after his confession.

She sighed, deciding not to press Isabella further, and changed her approach.

"Isabella, what do you think of Michael? It's obvious he's focused on you now."

Michael.

Isabella let out a bitter laugh. She had carried his name in her heart for over a decade, but now, just mentioning him felt like reopening an old wound, causing her almost unbearable pain.

"What do I think of him? Isn't it obvious?" Isabella calmly shared her thoughts. "He was kicked out of the Brown Group by Nolan, losing all his power and status. Even if he found evidence of Nolan's betrayal, it wouldn't be easy to act on it."

"Nolan waited three years to strike. Even if Michael retaliates, Nolan must have a thorough plan in place. And now, with Aiden suddenly gravely ill and the Brown Group facing crisis after crisis, Michael thought of me. He wants to use the Wilson Family's influence to help him regain control of the Brown Group."

"And with the Wilson Family's power and my uncles' abilities, if they step in, they could not only help Michael reclaim the Brown Group but also help him through this crisis. Who wouldn't want to take a shortcut?"

Isabella analyzed Michael's situation calmly and rationally.

She understood Michael's actions.

Self-preservation and seeking advantage were human nature.

That was why she rejected his confession and explanation at the hospital.

She didn't blame him, but he shouldn't use their relationship as a stepping stone for his gain.

Olivia felt something was off. Isabella was being overly rational at this moment.

But as her best friend, Olivia knew Isabella's feelings for Michael better than anyone.

Even if there were mixed motives, Isabella couldn't be this calm and indifferent in the face of Michael's pursuit.

Otherwise, she wouldn't have secretly helped him after their divorce.

It wasn't so much that Isabella had given up on Michael, but rather that she was running from her feelings for him.

Olivia didn't like Michael at all.

She was helping Isabella, not Michael.

She had found her own happiness and didn't want her best friend to be stuck in a whirlpool of emotions.

"Isabella, what you said is true, but have you considered that Michael isn't just some spoiled rich kid with no connections?"

Having experienced heartbreak herself, Olivia understood what Isabella was thinking.

"He once single-handedly supported the entire Brown Group. With his business acumen and intelligence, he could still build connections on his own. Are you sure Michael is only approaching you to gain the Wilson Family's help?"

"Your analysis is based on your assumptions. Have you ever told Michael these thoughts? If you both can't let go of each other, why not be honest with each other?"

Olivia's words were blunt.

Renee's face changed, worried about hurting Isabella, and she quickly tugged on Olivia's arm to stop her.

But Olivia was determined to break the deadlock.

"Isabella, stop running away. You've never gotten over Michael all these years. If you still feel that way, why not just take a chance on him and let yourself be happy for once?"