Chapter 294

The three big family heads all knew they each wanted a piece of the Taylor Family's legacy. Each one hoped to grab it all for himself. But if none of them could, they sure as hell weren't going to let the Williams Family get it and become a bigger threat.

Paxton lightly tapped the table and grinned, "I know we've got our people at the police station. But we're not a gang, no need to keep tabs on the cops all the time. A couple of informants there will do. The rest can reach out to our underworld contacts. Don't underestimate them. Sometimes they're better at finding people than the police."

Richard and Anthony nodded in agreement with Paxton's plan.

So, the three families sent their operatives into the city's dark corners, seeking help from the underworld to track down Jasper.

Meanwhile, after hanging up with John, Joe called Michael.

"Mr. Williams, John called asking about Jasper. I told him I haven't heard from Jasper," Joe reported.

Michael, staring out of a big French window, nodded. "Let's hold off for now. Once Jasper swallows the localization device, we can trace the money through him."

The sky outside was a clear blue, not a bird in sight. Michael's eyes seemed to pierce through the vast expanse, imagining a private plane taking off from his hometown airport.

Michael turned away from the window and hung up the phone.

After a moment, he called Isabella.

"Hey babe, what are you up to?" Michael asked with a smile.

Isabella was busy at work, even though she was about to quit, she still had some tasks to wrap up.

"I'm swamped with resigning, moving everything to the new company, and planning tonight's party. It's all a bit much," Isabella sighed.

Michael chuckled, "I'm swamped too. I'm hiding in the bathroom to call you. My boss wouldn't let me take leave this time, otherwise, I'd be there to help you."

Lounging on the sofa, Michael stretched lazily, a contented hum escaping him.

Isabella, on the phone, misunderstood.

"Babe, are you constipated? You sound like you're straining," Isabella teased with a laugh.

"Nope, I'm good in that department. Just a bit tired, need to move around," Michael replied lightly, though his tone soon turned serious.

"Babe, now that your dad's escaped from the hospital, should I hire someone to find him?" Michael asked.

Isabella shook her head. "No need to waste money. Private detectives are expensive and might not even find him. The police are better at this. I'll call Mason and have him send someone to help me find him."

Michael nodded. "Alright, babe. I thought you'd be freaking out, but you seem pretty chill now."

Isabella smiled and asked, "By the way, babe, ever thought about working for me? I could be your boss."

Michael burst out laughing. "Oh really? And what exactly would my job be?"

Isabella tilted her head, thinking seriously. She knew Michael was sharp in business, but where should she put him?

Michael kept joking, "So, would my job be cleaning for you, giving you massages when you're stressed, cooking for you, pouring coffee? Maybe even scrubbing your back in the shower? Or, you know, undressing and lying in bed when you have certain... needs?"

"Stop it! I need an employee for the company, not a house servant!" Isabella shot back, her face turning red.

Michael chuckled, "But I feel like a servant right now. And you haven't even paid me."

Isabella laughed too, "You're right, I haven't paid you. So, I guess I won't be needing you for those things anymore."

Michael's face changed instantly. He jumped up from the sofa and said, "No, no, no, I think being a servant is actually pretty great. I'll massage your shoulders and legs when you're tired, cook for you whenever you're hungry. I'll do anything for you, but please, don't cancel those needs."

Isabella's laughter on the other end of the line grew louder, and Michael could vividly imagine her sitting on the floor, holding her stomach and laughing.

"Please, babe," Michael cooed playfully into the phone.

Isabella, still laughing, said, "You're so cheesy!"

"I'm only cheesy for you. No one else gets to see this side of me," Michael said with a smile, twisting his body, then he turned his head and saw Jerry staring at him, wide-eyed.

The whole office fell into an awkward, eerie silence. Jerry and Michael just stared at each other, neither saying a word.

In the quiet office, only the persistent sounds of Michael's phone could be heard.

"Alright, babe, I gotta go. Don't worry about me, I'm good," Isabella said, kissed the phone, and hung up.

Michael put away his phone, looked at Jerry expressionlessly, and asked, "When did you come in?"

Jerry blinked, hesitating before responding, "Around the 'Please, babe' part?"

Michael turned around, closed his eyes, and took a deep breath. "Forget everything you just saw."

Jerry's mouth twitched, trying not to laugh. "Mr. Williams, you know, I have a really good memory."

Michael opened his eyes and said lightly, "I remember you wanted a vacation, right? There's a project in the wild forest conservation area. Go feed the monkeys. Take a break."