433 Michael
âI am not very clear about this. I believe that only Master Wilson and no other knew everything.â
âMs. Isabella, even though Master Wilson is a bit old and his ears and eyesight have failed him, he is the founder of the Wilson Consortium. He might seem to be confused about a lot of things, but he only pretends to be so to avoid trouble. In fact, he is very clear about matters such as the inheritance of the family business. The Wilson Consortium is like an enormous treasure trove that contains wealth and power that most people couldnât even imagine. Therefore, as far as Iâm concerned, Master Wilson must have chosen Mr. Joseph who was still young and inexperienced at that time instead of the experienced and mature Mr. Michael for an unknown yet thoughtful reason.â
Looking at Williamâs serious expression, Isabella seemed to get some clues about the Wilson family. She nodded and then went upstairs. âThank you for your notice, William.â
âMy honor.â
William continued with a smile, âLet me remind you again, Ms. Isabella. No matter what Mr. Michael and his family say to you, just maintain the basic etiquette. Donât be hostile to them, yet donât trust them too much. Just be casual about it.â
âOkay.â Isabella looked at Williamâs sly face and nodded. âI will.â
...
When Isabella went upstairs, the stylist picked out a set of clothes and jewelry for her. The stylist also put very elegant makeup on her, making her look like a graceful goddess rather than a na?ve college student.
Isabella stood up and looked into the mirror to see her dress and makeup. She was going to apply the lipstick to make her lip color deeper when Joseph held her hand. He said to her ears with an intimate and charming tone, âMy love, you are so beautiful today that I canât resist.â
.....
Hearing Josephâs voice, Isabella froze for a second. Although she was happy to see her love again the moment she heard his voice, when she thought about the rumor she was told this morning, she felt quite depressed. She could only force a smile and said, âYou come back quite early today. Itâs only 5 oâclock now. You usually get off work much later.â
âI miss you too much, so I come back as soon as possible.â
Joseph wrapped his arms around Isabellaâs waist and rested his chin on her shoulder. He gently kissed her neck and said, âI rushed back immediately after I finished my work. I just wanted to hug you and look at you like this forever.â
Isabella blinked in waver and then gently pulled away Josephâs hands from her waist. She leaned against the dressing table and faced Joseph, saying, âWhat are you busy with today? What is it that took you the whole afternoon to deal with? Tell me about it.â
Joseph was puzzled by Isabellaâs pushing him away at first. But he immediately smiled and went forward to hug Isabella again. âAs expected, you were angry because I didnât accompany you this afternoon as I promised? There is also one thing Iâd like to know. What did you do this morning?â
Isabella looked into his eyes and said, âTell me first before I tell you.â
âMe? It was just a matter of the company,â replied Joseph.
Joseph picked up the lipstick in Isabellaâs hand and applied it to her lips. âI found someone from the finance department secretly making false accounts, so I was settling this matter in the afternoon.â
Isabella looked at Josephâs calm expression and continued to ask, âIs the one who made false accounts a woman?â
Joseph laughed and asked, âHow do you know itâs a woman? Are you jealous that Iâm with another woman this afternoon?â
âBecause I smell perfume on you.â
Isabella sniffed and said, âIf I remember correctly, Stella also likes to use this kind of perfume. âCharmerâ. Isnât it?â
Joseph was shocked and quickly sniffed himself. âI really didnât notice this, but donât be angry. Although she is a woman, Iâm only with her this afternoon for pure business. If you donât like the smell, I will wash it later. I must have got the smell when I discussed the matter with her.â
Still, he did not let go of Isabella and said mischievously, âMy dear, you are now as smart as a detective. I canât help but kiss you.â
Seeing Josephâs face getting closer, Isabella suddenly felt very upset. She reached out to stop him. âItâs too hot, so I donât want to kiss you. Go take a shower first.â
Joseph stopped moving, then pinched Isabellaâs nose and said intimately, âAlright, naughty.â
Then he took the bathrobe and said, âIâm going take a shower now. Would you find me a proper set of clothes?â
âYes.â
When Isabella saw Joseph walk into the bathroom, her eyes were filled with disappointment. After so many hints she gave, Joseph still had no intention of telling her. Furthermore, he lied so naturally as if nothing had happened.
Twenty minutes later, Joseph came out of the bathroom and got dressed. Isabella walked up to him and helped him with his tie. Joseph praised, âI remember you had no idea how to tie in the beginning. But look at you now! You can already tie it so well. Iâm amazed by your improvement. You know what, you do have the potential to be a perfect wife and mom.â
Isabella smiled faintly.
Joseph looked at Isabellaâs expression and hugged her again. âIsabella, are you worried about your motherâs health? If you are so worried, we can visit your mom as soon as dinner is over. And we can stay there however long you want.â
Frustratingly, Isabella smoothed Josephâs tie. âItâs fine. Itâs the same if we visit her tomorrow. It wonât make much of a difference to start off a couple of hours sooner or later.â
As she spoke, she withdrew from Josephâs embrace. âIâm done with your tie.â
Joseph suddenly hugged Isabellaâs waist so tightly that she couldnât leave. He leaned over and kissed her.
âJoseph!â shouted Isabella.
She pushed Joseph away. Joseph took a step back and looked at Isabella, frowning. âWhat happened?â he asked.
âNothing. Itâs just too late. If we want to make it to dinner, we canât do these improper things.â
Isabella avoided his eye contact. She smiled unwillingly, âIf we go down too late, people will find fault with us again. I donât want to be picked on by your Uncle Michael the first time we meet. Hurry up and put on your clothes, so we can go down. Donât be unreasonable.â
Still suspicious, Joseph replied, âAlright, Iâll do as you say.â
They did not speak to each other again until they went downstairs. It was 6 p.m., and they heard the guard report that guests are arriving and went to welcome them at the gate. Angelina supported Charlie as they walked in. Charlie was obviously happy that his youngest son had returned because a broad smile was on his face.
âFather, itâs been a while since we last saw each other,â a couple greeted them.
The middle-aged couple walked over holding hands. The man was tall, straight, dignified, and elegant while the woman was beautiful and graceful. The slightly up-pointing shape of the woman made her look more charming. And her dark purple dress made her seem royal.
âGood evening, Uncle Michael, Aunt Melany.â Angelina and Joseph bowed and nodded as a greeting. Isabella immediately followed, âGood evening, Uncle Michael and Aunt Melany.â
âIs this the girl about to get engaged to Joseph?â Michael smiled as he observed Isabella. âShe is indeed beautiful. Joseph is truly a lucky man.â
âYou are too kind.â Joseph introduced her to them, âHer name is Isabella. She is a newly graduated dance student.â
âShe is a newly graduated university student?â
A man said arrogantly, âJoseph, youâre way older than your future wife.â He then burst out laughing.
Isabella felt that this hearty laughter was very familiar. She looked up and saw the man. It was the blond man who had saved her from Cedric today. He was the one who had won the championship in the car race!