Chapter 83

Michael grinned at Isabella's question. "You're so gorgeous, everyone hates you 'cause you steal their thunder."

Isabella rolled her eyes. "Cut it out. What's really going on with you and Scarlett?"

"Just like she said. I've always been a standout, so she's had a crush on me since we were kids. But I don't feel the same; she's like a sister to me," Michael said nonchalantly. Isabella scrutinized Michael's face, convinced he was telling the truth.

Isabella smiled at Michael. "You handled that well. I'm impressed."

Michael's hand slid onto Isabella's leg. "I can do even better in bed."

Isabella's face turned bright red. She grabbed his hand and put it back on the steering wheel. "I hate it when you're not serious while driving. It's dangerous!"

Michael chuckled and soon they arrived at their destination.

When Isabella stepped out of the car, she was stunned by the luxurious villa in front of her.

"Didn't you say your family wasn't rich? Where does this villa come from?" Isabella asked, eyeing Michael suspiciously.

Michael had his story ready. "The land here is super cheap. My dad has some investments here. He always wanted me to stay and take over his business, but I wanted to make it on my own, so I went abroad."

"I see. Well, staying here wouldn't be so bad. The manor style is pretty nice," Isabella said, looking around the villa curiously.

Once Isabella looked away, Michael's face darkened. He had called Kenna before boarding the plane, asking him to find a cheaper place. And this is what he arranged? A villa?

Their original villa had five floors, and this one had four! Did Kenna think a four-story villa was cheap?

"Michael, you're finally back!" A sturdy old man walked out from the doorway, arms open wide.

Michael opened his arms too, but just as they were about to hug, the old man pushed Michael aside and embraced Isabella instead.

After the hug, the old man looked at Isabella excitedly. "You must be Michael's wife, Isabella. You've been married for a while now, right? Are you pregnant yet?"

Isabella smiled awkwardly and shook her head. The old man looked familiar, but she couldn't place him.

Michael's face darkened. "Father, that was rude. Isabella just got off the plane; she needs to rest."

"You're right. Your room is ready. I'll have the butler show you inside," Kenna quickly said, taking Isabella's hand and leading her into the villa.

Michael sighed and started unloading the luggage from the car himself.

Just as he got inside, Scarlett drove up. Seeing Michael carrying the luggage alone, she seized the opportunity and rushed over to help.

"Michael, let me help you. Isabella is so selfish. How can she not help with the luggage?" Scarlett said, reaching out, only to be refused by Michael.

Michael turned slightly, dodging Scarlett's hand. "No need."

Michael lugged two bags in his hands and had two more tucked under his arms as he made his way to the villa.

Behind him, Scarlett clenched her fists, her face twisted with hatred. She thought bitterly, 'Why is Michael so cold to me now? He wasn't like this before. Damn it, it must be Isabella! She must have turned Michael against me.'

Inside the villa, Isabella sneezed. Kenna immediately asked with concern, "Isabella, are you catching a cold? I have a private doctor. Should I have him check on you?"

Isabella shook her head just as Michael walked in and dropped the luggage on the floor.

Kenna looked at Michael in surprise. "Why didn't you get a servant to help with the luggage?"

Michael was taken aback. "We have servants here?"

"Of course! Do you expect me to clean this huge villa all by myself?" Kenna's expression darkened.

Michael smirked and flopped down on the sofa. "Forget it, it's already done."

Isabella found it amusing and started massaging Michael's shoulders.

Kenna watched the couple with a smile. "You two lovebirds. Why haven't you had kids yet? Michael, is there something wrong with your health?"

Kenna's expression turned serious as he looked at Michael.

Isabella's face immediately turned red.

Michael looked at Kenna, speechless. "Getting pregnant takes time. Can't you be a little more patient?"

Kenna slapped Michael on the back, annoyed. "I'm getting old and just want to see my grandson before I die. Why can't you fulfill my wish?"

Isabella came over to massage Kenna's shoulders. "Dad, you don't look that old. You're not even seventy yet!"

Kenna smirked.

Michael laughed, "That's right. My dad is only sixty-nine this year, still a year away from seventy."

Isabella felt embarrassed.

Michael got up from the couch, took Isabella's hand, and headed upstairs. "Dad, we're going upstairs to rest. Sleeping on the plane was really uncomfortable."

Kenna nodded, watching them go. Then he turned to Scarlett, who had been silent since she arrived.

"Scarlett, where's Lucas? Weren't you two out together?" Kenna asked, confused.

Scarlett had been lost in thought, annoyed by Michael and Isabella's closeness. It wasn't until Kenna called her name twice that she snapped out of it.

"Lucas? He said he was going out. You know how young people are, always fooling around." Just as Scarlett finished speaking, Lucas walked in from outside.

"Uncle Kenna, don't listen to her nonsense. She left me alone..." Lucas felt a murderous intent halfway through his sentence and couldn't finish the rest.

Kenna looked at Lucas in confusion. "Go on, how did Scarlett treat you?"

Lucas saw the anger in Scarlett's eyes and swallowed hard. "Scarlett is so annoying. I wanted to go out, but she kept nagging me to spend more time with Michael and bond with him."

Lucas forced a bitter smile, and only then did Scarlett nod in satisfaction.

"Scarlett means well. Michael and Isabella have gone upstairs to rest. I'm going to check with the chef about dinner." Kenna stood up with a smile.

Scarlett clenched her fists, suddenly feeling the urge to go upstairs.