Chapter 498

Isabella froze. "Olivia, you know everything?"

No wonder Olivia had suddenly said those things. She had heard it all.

Olivia didn't hide it anymore and nodded. "Yeah, after you rushed to the hospital today, I got worried and followed you. But I didn't mean to eavesdrop. The door was open, and I thought you were alone. Who knew Michael would suddenly hug you?"

Isabella's mind went blank at that moment.

Olivia sighed. "Isabella, I know this is hard to hear, but how long can you keep running away? Matters of the heart are something you have to face yourself."

If Olivia hadn't seen Michael's sincere confession, she wouldn't have easily handed her best friend over to such a "bad man."

But now Michael had repented and admitted he liked Isabella. Yet, Isabella had immediately retreated.

She had even learned to deceive herself, using various excuses to avoid the truth that Michael liked her.

Because those were the wounds Michael had left in her heart.

That was why Isabella didn't believe it.

But now, Olivia had to pierce through Isabella's avoidance. Only then would Isabella not live with regret for the rest of her life.

"Olivia, stop!"

Isabella's face turned pale, her brows furrowed tightly, resisting the truths Olivia was saying.

"Isabella, you have to come out of this yourself. You can continue to like Michael, or you can choose not to love him anymore, but you can't torture yourself like this for a man. You deserve to be loved and to have better."

"I understand what you're saying, but I really don't know what to do right now. Olivia, what should I do?"

When she looked up again, Isabella's eyes were red.

She was the princess of the Wilson Family, cherished by her grandfather and uncles, yet she had become like this for a man.

She knew it shouldn't be this way, but she couldn't control herself.

Hearing Michael's confession, her first reaction was that it couldn't be true.

He must be doing it for his grandfather's wishes and the Brown Group's situation, choosing to reconcile with her to use the Wilson Family's resources.

It wasn't that she refused to believe in Michael's sincerity; she just didn't dare to try again.

If she asked him with hope if he liked her even a little, and the answer was still rejection, she couldn't imagine how she would collapse.

So she preferred not to believe it was true.

"Olivia, stop talking. Can't you see Isabella is crying?"

Renee didn't know what had happened between Isabella and Michael, but seeing Isabella's red eyes, she couldn't bear it and quickly interrupted Olivia.

She pulled Olivia aside.

"Alright, there's no need for that attitude. You're well aware that Isabella isn't in good health."

With those words, Olivia couldn't say anything more.

After all, she also bore some responsibility for Isabella losing that child.

Seeing Olivia fall silent, Renee couldn't help but try to mediate.

"Anyway, Isabella and Michael are divorced. What he becomes has nothing to do with us. It's not like we caused him to lose everything."

"As for Michael wanting to pursue Isabella again, I don't think it's a big deal. People only realize what's precious after losing it. If he's truly sorry, he'll find ways to prove himself."

"And Isabella just needs to see if his actions are good enough. Don't you think?"

As an outsider, Renee had a more open perspective on these matters.

Besides, she was firmly on Isabella's side. Whatever Michael wanted to do, he had to show real effort. If he was just after the Wilson Family's resources, they could ignore him.

Isabella's emotions were on a roller coaster, swinging wildly between highs and lows.

Olivia's words had completely shattered carefully constructed facade, forcing her to finally face what she'd been feeling all along.

Thankfully, Renee's gentle reassurance helped ground her, calming the storm of emotions that had been raging inside.

The tension between the three of them gradually relaxed.

Olivia realized her impulsiveness and felt guilty for not considering Isabella's feelings.

"Isabella, I'm sorry. I shouldn't have spoken to you like that. I was too anxious. I know matters of the heart can't be resolved with a few words, and I shouldn't have pressured you."

Isabella had calmed down. She shook her head. "Olivia, don't say that. I'm not mad at you. In fact, I should thank you for waking me up."

If it weren't for Olivia's words, she might have continued deceiving herself.

Olivia was right. She shouldn't torture herself over a relationship. Whether she accepted Michael's love or not, she deserved to be loved.

Now she was single and free, not defined by anyone.

Even if someone pursued her, it was perfectly normal.

Michael's sudden confession proved that she had become herself again, an attractive woman. That was something to be happy about.

How could she let Michael's appearance make her insecure again?

"I've figured it out. Let the old Isabella fade away with the memories. Now, I'm ready for a new beginning."

"Really? I'm glad you understand!"

There were plenty of men in the world, not just Michael.

Olivia took a deep breath, her eyes sparkling.

Seeing Isabella like this was wonderful.

Then, an idea flashed in Olivia's mind. "It's such a good day. How about we celebrate with some drinks?"

Renee eagerly agreed. "Great idea! I need to relax. You have no idea how tense I've been since coming back from abroad."

"I want drinks and barbecue."

Renee got excited and started to move.

Isabella hesitated.

She didn't mind, but if Olivia got drunk, she couldn't explain it to Atticus. And Renee had to take care of Aaron tomorrow.

They could enjoy tonight, but what about tomorrow?

"Isabella, what are you waiting for? We're getting the drinks. What do you want?"

Olivia and Renee were already in action.

Isabella couldn't stop them. She'd just say it was her idea if Atticus found out.

"Go ahead. I'm fine with anything. I'll ask Cinda to prepare the barbecue supplies."