Chapter 12: Chapter 12
985 words<html><head></head><body><p>Bianca was in a daze, barely able to grasp what John was saying. Her rock, her constant ally, was telling her to get out of here, and fast.</p> <p>She wanted to know why, but John wasn't giving her any answers. Instead, he just scooped her up and shoved her into the car.</p> <p>John was pretty rattled himself. One of his guys had just handed him a new phone and mentioned Bianca's situation at the hospital.</p> <p>John was very angry, just as he was about to call her to find out what was going on, Owen's call came in.</p> <p>"Why haven't you sorted out Bianca yet? She even called me! Don't forget what your grandfather told you!" Owen barked before hanging up.</p> <p>John's face twisted in frustration. He was worried Mason might have found out about the kidney swap for Isabella. But then he figured if Mason knew, it wouldn't be Owen calling.</p> <p>Taking it as a warning from Owen, John decided to get Bianca out of the hospital and move her somewhere else.</p> <p>Isabella had left before John showed up, missing the chance to see his sour face.</p> <p>With Michael's help, Isabella settled back into bed. Giving Bianca a hard time had lifted her spirits and worn her out, making her feel sleepy.</p> <p>With Michael by her side, Isabella drifted off.</p> <p>Michael watched her sleep, a slight smile on her face.</p> <p>'Why do I feel happy when she's happy? Have I really fallen for her?' he wondered, gently touching the back of her hand.</p> <p>Michael still wouldn't admit he had feelings for Isabella. He saw it as part of his duty in their marriage.</p> <p>Looking at her hand, he seemed to remember something. He pulled out a beautiful bracelet from his pocket. The emerald bracelet was flawless, carved from a natural gemstone. It could fetch a high price in any jewelry store.</p> <p>Michael slipped the bracelet onto Isabella's wrist.</p> <p>When she woke up, she quickly noticed it.</p> <p>"What's this?" she asked, surprised, looking at Michael.</p> <p>"It's a gift. Do you like it? I'm sorry I couldn't be there for you. Even though you weren't in danger, you still got hurt," Michael said with a smile.</p> <p>"I told you, it's not your fault. You don't need to give me a gift to apologize," Isabella said, trying to take off the bracelet, but Michael stopped her.</p> <p>"Let me do something for you, okay?" he said seriously.</p> <p>Isabella looked at him, his eyes shining as brightly as the bracelet.</p> <p>She pursed her lips and nodded. This time, she didn't take off the bracelet, but she decided she'd give Michael a gift of equal value in return.</p> <p>Michael then grabbed an apple from the fruit basket.</p> <p>"What's next? Are you going to tell John's grandfather about this?" he asked as he started peeling the apple.</p> <p>Isabella let out a deep sigh, staring up at the ceiling. "What's the point in telling him? At best, John might get locked up or get a good beating from Mr. Williams. But as that jerk John said, he's the heir to the Williams Family. I almost lost my life, and he still gets to live his. I don't have any good feelings towards the Williams Family anymore, except for Mr. Williams."</p> <p>Michael was peeling an apple when his hand suddenly shook, causing the peel to fall to the ground with a soft thud, catching Isabella's attention.</p> <p>She looked at Michael, who seemed a bit off, and laughed. "What are you doing? I was talking about the Williams Family. Not everyone with the last name Williams is the same. You're just an ordinary company employee."</p> <p>Michael paused for a couple of seconds before laughing along. "Yeah, it's just a shame the apple peel can't be eaten."</p> <p>He continued peeling the apple, but now he was slower and less efficient.</p> <p>After a moment of laughter, Isabella got serious. "To really get revenge, I need to build up my power. I have to pull together what's left of my family's strength and help them rise again. Only then will I be able to take on John."</p> <p>Michael looked at her, curious. "Are you that confident?"</p> <p>Isabella nodded with a smile. "A drowning man will clutch at a straw. There's still life in the old dog yet. My family might be in decline, but we still have a solid foundation!"</p> <p>Michael stayed silent for a couple of seconds. He knew the truth about the Taylor Family's finances-they weren't as strong as Isabella thought. Her parents had been hiding things from her.</p> <p>"I'll help you. Legally speaking, I am your husband," Michael said with a smile, handing her the peeled apple.</p> <p>Isabella nodded gratefully, finding the apple in her hand to be very sweet.</p> <p>She stayed in the hospital for about a week, and after some rest, she was finally able to walk again.</p> <p>On the day she was discharged, she got a call from her friend Amelia.</p> <p>"You must be having a great time with your new husband these days, right? I feel like you've almost forgotten about me, your good friend," Amelia teased with a hint.</p> <p>Not wanting Amelia to worry, Isabella lied and said she had been traveling out of town with Michael during her hospital stay.</p> <p>"Of course, I haven't forgotten you. Actually, I have something to discuss. Let's meet up," Isabella said, mentioning a location and heading there directly.</p> <p>They met at the most famous jewelry store in the city.</p> <p>Isabella didn't waste time chatting. She showed Amelia the bracelet Michael had given her.</p> <p>"Is this the bracelet your husband gave you? It's gorgeous. Men are at their best when they're giving gifts," Amelia said, gently touching the bracelet and sighing.</p> <p>"Amelia, let's get this bracelet appraised here. I want to know its value," Isabella stated. She needed to know the bracelet's worth so she could give Michael a gift of equal value.</p> </body></html>