Chapter 385

John paused for a second, then gave a nod.

Meanwhile, Charles went back and filled Mason in on the successful plan.

Mason wasted no time and called Isabella to share the news.

"Got it, Mason. Thanks for the heads-up," Isabella said with a smile before hanging up.

Isabella had just gotten home. As she walked in, she saw Michael busy making dinner.

Seeing her smile, Michael could tell she was in a good mood.

"What's up? Why the big smile?" Michael asked, grinning.

Isabella walked over, wrapped her arms around Michael's neck, and said, "Guess why I'm so happy, babe?"

Michael tilted his head, thought for a moment, then said dramatically, "Did you win a billion dollars in the lottery or something? Wow, you're incredible!"

Isabella laughed at his over-the-top reaction and playfully pinched his nose. "Come on, babe, be serious. You know I don't play the lottery."

"Alright. I have no idea what could make you this happy," Michael said, shrugging.

"I came up with a plan to outsmart John today, and it's already halfway there. I'm feeling great," Isabella said, beaming.

Michael looked surprised. "Outsmarting John? Why? Didn't he just give you a car?"

Michael was curious. Isabella had already told him about John giving her a car. He wasn't jealous; he just thought it was silly to think a car could make up for everything.

"It's because Bianca wanted to find out about our company's spokesperson," Isabella explained Bianca's scheme and her counter-plan against Bianca and John.

"Got it. I didn't think Mason would help you out. Now it all depends on what Ms. Foster thinks," Michael said, wrapping his arms around Isabella's waist.

Isabella nodded. "Exactly. Even though this is a plan against Bianca and John, the key part is Ms. Foster. Will she agree to let Bianca be the spokesperson?"

"If Bianca's willing to shell out 80 million dollars or more, who knows? Money talks," Michael said with a grin.

"I don't think Ms. Foster is that shallow. Her husband wouldn't even blink at 80 million or a hundred million dollars," Isabella said, but then her phone rang.

She glanced at the caller ID, frowned a bit, and let go of Michael. "Babe, I need to take this."

Isabella went to the balcony to answer the call. Meanwhile, Michael pulled out his phone to make a call of his own.

On the balcony, Isabella heard the private detective's voice.

"Ms. Taylor, from my tracking and investigation, it looks like the woman contacted someone from Avalonia. My friend at the bank found millions in the account she used to exchange currency, and the bank is from Avalonia. But I hit a wall because she's already flown out of the country," the detective said, sounding frustrated. His reach didn't extend beyond their borders.

"Send me the name of the bank for the transfer. I'll take care of the rest and get your final payment to you," Isabella said, pleased with the detective's findings.

After a brief chat, Isabella transferred the final payment to the private detective.

Meanwhile, Michael was on the phone with Estella.

He had planned to call Jerry, but Jerry was overseas handling Anson's affairs, so he had to reach out to Estella directly.

When Estella saw Michael's call, she felt a mix of excitement and nerves.

"Hello, sir. Is there something you need me to do?" Estella asked, her voice a bit shaky.

Michael chuckled. "No need to be nervous. I just wanted to give you a heads-up. If Bianca and John approach you for an endorsement, don't turn them down. But make sure to ask for a high price-at least a hundred million dollars."

Estella's eyes widened. With her current status, even ten million would be a lot, let alone a hundred million.

"Okay, sir, I understand. I'll do as you say," Estella agreed.

Michael was about to hang up when he added, "Do you need a reason to ask for that much? If you go straight for a hundred million, John might not bite."

"Don't worry, sir. I've got a plan. If I can leverage your reputation a bit, I think John and Bianca won't refuse," Estella said, then laid out her plan.

After listening, Michael nodded. "Sounds solid. You're a smart woman. You know what to do next. I'll leave it in your hands."

"Don't worry, sir. I'll get it done," Estella said, thrilled by Michael's praise.

After Michael hung up, Isabella came back from the balcony.

They didn't ask each other about their calls, as they had an understanding to keep their secrets as long as they stayed loyal to each other.

"Dinner's ready," Michael said, leading Isabella to the table.

"Hold on, let me wash my hands first." Isabella went to the bathroom, washed up, and then joined Michael at the table.

Michael remembered something and asked with a smile, "Have you decided on your company's endorser yet?"

Isabella smiled and pointed to herself. "I'm thinking about doing it myself, but I'm still a bit unsure. I plan to hold a meeting to get everyone's input."

"I doubt anyone will object. You're an amazing woman," Michael said, complimenting her.

Meanwhile, Estella got a call from John shortly after hanging up with Michael.

"Estella, do you have a moment? I need to discuss something with you," John said over the phone.