Chapter 502

"Isabella, why are you still inside?"

Olivia's voice rang out from the yard. Isabella quickly put away her phone and hurried out. "I'm coming."

By the sleek black luxury car, Emilio, dressed in a sharp suit, stepped out and looked in Isabella's direction with bright eyes.

It was clear he was here for her.

"Emilio, what brings you here at this hour?"

Emilio was now the vice president of the Wilson Group, and Isabella instinctively thought he was here for work-related matters.

Seeing this, Olivia, worried that Isabella might catch on, quickly pushed Emilio towards her before he could speak.

She seized the opportunity and said, "Isabella, Emilio's definitely not here for business today. We're having a small gathering, why not invite him to join us? The more, the merrier."

Emilio immediately caught on and nodded.

He looked at Isabella with gentle eyes. "Yeah, I'm not here for work today. I just happened to be in the neighborhood and thought I'd drop by to see you. Hope I'm not intruding?"

Isabella shook her head politely. "Of course not, you're my friend. It's perfectly normal for you to visit."

"Exactly. Since we last met at Graceful Haven Church, Isabella has mentioned you several times, Emilio. She says you have a great temperament and are very capable. The Wilson Group is lucky to have you."

Olivia's praise left Isabella stunned.

When had she ever said those things? And in front of Olivia, no less.

But the next second, Isabella saw the look Olivia gave her and instantly understood.

They had been best friends for over a decade. Olivia didn't need to speak for Isabella to know what she was up to.

Olivia had never praised anyone like this in front of her, especially a man. But now, from the moment Emilio got out of the car, she had been singing his praises from every angle.

Olivia even dragged her into it. If there wasn't something fishy going on, Isabella wouldn't believe it.

Thinking about Emilio's sudden arrival, Isabella could guess what was happening.

Emilio was here because of Olivia's idea.

As for the reason, she didn't need to guess.

Atticus and Holden were eager to set her up with Emilio.

Olivia didn't want her to reconcile with Michael and risk getting hurt again, so Emilio was the best choice.

So, Emilio's visit was definitely Olivia's doing.

"Olivia, you're too kind. The success of the Wilson Group is the result of everyone's hard work, not just mine."

Emilio's performance was flawless.

If Isabella hadn't noticed the exchanged glances between him and Olivia, she might have believed him.

It was clear they had coordinated this in advance.

Isabella looked at them helplessly.

Since he was here, she couldn't just send him away.

"Come on in."

As soon as Isabella said this, Olivia and Emilio both smiled.

The three of them walked to the backyard. Isabella was about to introduce Emilio to Renee, but before she could speak, Renee stood up and extended her hand.

"Mr. Blair, I'm Isabella's friend, Renee Faith. I've heard about you from Isabella. You're indeed a fine gentleman, no wonder the Wilson Family likes you so much."

"Ms. Faith, you're too kind."

Emilio blushed at the compliment, especially with Olivia and Renee looking at him like matchmakers. It made him feel a bit guilty.

Isabella crossed her arms and pursed her lips. There was no need to say more; Renee was clearly in on it too. They had all kept it from her.

For the rest of the time, Olivia and Renee, both happily in relationships, fully unleashed their gossiping skills. Once they sat down, they didn't stop talking. From how she and Emilio met, to Emilio's family background, personal hobbies, and the type of girls he liked, they didn't miss a single topic about Emilio.

Emilio answered each question seriously, but his gentle eyes kept drifting to Isabella. Isabella cooperated and didn't refuse. She knew Olivia and Renee were doing this for her own good. But they seemed to forget that she and Emilio had known each other for years. How could she not know about him?

However, since they were so eager to set her up, what could she do?

When Isabella got up to go to the bathroom, Renee followed her. Isabella stopped her halfway and lowered her voice. "Renee, did you have a hand in Emilio coming to see me?"

Renee blinked innocently. "Isabella, what are you talking about? I don't understand. If you hadn't talked outside, I wouldn't even know who he is."

Isabella gritted her teeth. Renee might play this game with others, but with her? She took a deep breath. "Renee, I'm not angry. I just want the truth."

Isabella's question to Renee instead of Olivia showed she had already figured it out. Renee blinked at her and finally sighed.

"Isabella, since you've figured it out, why ask me? I think Emilio is a good match for you. He's gentle and handsome. Why not give it a try? Maybe Emilio is the right one for you."

Isabella smiled bitterly. She had known Emilio for a long time. If they were truly compatible, there wouldn't be a need for her uncles and Olivia to set them up. She would have already made a move. The reality was, Emilio was great, but she only saw him as a friend. They lacked the most crucial element. She had no romantic feelings for him.

But she didn't explain this to Renee. Even if she did, it wouldn't matter. Feelings were mutual. If one side wasn't interested, no amount of enthusiasm from the other would help.

But her current concern wasn't about her and Emilio. It was about meeting Nolan tonight. Nolan had threatened her with Michael's safety to get her to meet him. He also said he would leave Evergreen City after today. Isabella didn't know if she could trust his words anymore.

When Isabella returned to the yard, Olivia and Renee were gone. Only Emilio was left, holding a glass of wine and sitting next to her spot.

"Isabella, why don't you come over?"

Emilio turned and saw Isabella standing there, staring at him. Isabella snapped out of it and pointed to the two empty seats. "Where did they go? They were just here."