Chapter 430

"Mr. Blair, don't you think so?"

Olivia turned to Emilio in the front row, trying to get him involved in the conversation.

After all, Emilio had helped save Isabella too. Just because he wasn't hurt didn't mean his efforts should be ignored.

As Isabella's best friend, Olivia secretly thought that a kind and thoughtful guy like Emilio was perfect for Isabella.

But it was Isabella's personal feelings, and there wasn't much she could do about it.

"Yeah, Olivia's right. Isabella, how are you feeling now? Anything still hurting?"

As soon as he said it, Emilio regretted it.

Bringing that up was just making Isabella relive her time with Michael.

If he could, he wished he had been the one injured and unconscious instead of Michael.

That way, Isabella's worry and guilt would be all for him.

He hated himself for not protecting Isabella in time. If he had shielded her, maybe she wouldn't be in this mess with Michael.

Isabella shook her head calmly. "Emilio, thanks for coming to save me. I'm fine. By the way, did Atticus tell you which hospital he's taking Michael to?"

Emilio nodded. "Yeah, Atticus said he's taking Michael to the best hospital in Evergreen City. Given Michael's status, a smaller hospital might leak info."

Atticus had trusted Emilio to handle things quickly.

Michael was the CEO of the Brown Group, and if anything serious happened to him, or if he was left with any lasting injuries from saving Isabella, the divorce agreement Isabella had worked so hard on might fall apart.

Isabella had finally managed to break free from the Brown Family, and Atticus was determined not to let her get trapped again.

Atticus believed his niece deserved a better man.

In other words, Michael needed to stay far away.

Hospital.

Under the watchful eyes of the Wilson Family's bodyguards, Michael suddenly woke up during his examination. He asked about Isabella's condition, and upon confirming she was fine, he passed out again.

The final diagnosis showed that Michael had minor scrapes, a concussion from hitting his head, and a dislocated vertebra from the impact.

Isabella's report, however, was all clear. She had no serious injuries aside from some scrapes.

But Isabella was deeply shaken.

She had seen Michael's report. The concussion was from him shielding her with his arm when they hit the rock, and the dislocated vertebra was from hitting the tree that stopped them.

All of this was because of her.

Michael didn't have to do any of it.

What was he trying to achieve? If he wanted her to feel guilty, why risk his life?

Thinking back to the situation, she felt terrified, but Michael had stood firmly in front of her, taking on all the danger.

They were supposed to be getting divorced. What was he trying to do?

Why did he choose this moment to be kind to her?

How was she supposed to move on from this relationship?

Looking at the pale-faced Michael on the hospital bed, Isabella took a deep breath. He was lying there peacefully, but did he ever think about what she was supposed to do?

Outside the hospital room, Emilio stood in front of Atticus, looking guilty. "Mr. Wilson, today's mess is on me. I couldn't protect Isabella, and that's why she ended up in such a dangerous spot."

Atticus shook his head and patted Emilio's shoulder. "Don't beat yourself up. This accident wasn't your fault. If you hadn't called me in time, I wouldn't have known Isabella was in trouble."

Atticus glanced at Emilio, then at Isabella, who was deeply worried about Michael. He felt a pang of guilt for Emilio.

He wanted Isabella to find a man who would love and cherish her for the rest of her life. And Emilio seemed like the perfect match for her. But fate had other plans.

No matter how good Emilio was, Isabella only saw him as a friend. And at the scene of the accident, her concern and anxiety for Michael said it all. From the beginning, the only person she loved was Michael. She had never truly let go of that relationship. And now, Michael had risked his life to protect her. She would never be able to accept anyone else in this lifetime.

A relationship with no future shouldn't continue. He didn't want to hurt Emilio any further. Emilio was a good man and deserved his own happiness.

"Emilio, I need to talk to you."

Atticus paused, thinking about how to say it without hurting Emilio. But Emilio interrupted him. "Mr. Wilson, whether you blame me or not, it was my failure that led to Isabella's distress. I'll accept any punishment you give me. But please don't ask me to stop pursuing Isabella. I truly care for her. This isn't a fleeting feeling or a momentary impulse. I've had these feelings for a long time. I didn't have the chance before, but now I don't want to give up my right to pursue her."

"Emilio, why put yourself through this?"

Atticus sighed. He knew Emilio liked Isabella, but he didn't realize how deep his feelings ran. But Isabella didn't feel the same way about Emilio. Continuing like this would only bring him pain.

He glanced at the hospital room, then back at Emilio, offering a heartfelt piece of advice. "You've seen how Isabella feels about Michael. I'm not trying to discourage you, but continuing like this won't lead to anything."

Emilio should understand that no matter how hard he tried, it would be in vain. Especially now that everyone could see Isabella's feelings for Michael. Supporting Emilio's pursuit would only harm him.

"I don't care!"

Emilio's eyes were resolute. "I love Isabella. Even if I can't be with her, I'm willing to cherish the time we have together. Besides, she hasn't said she'll be with Michael. I still have a chance, don't I?"

Even if she didn't choose him in the end, he would accept it. Just like when he returned from abroad and found out she was getting married. She married the man she loved most. He buried his confession deep in his heart and offered her his sincere blessings. But now that she was getting divorced, he had no reason not to fight for himself.

Atticus saw this and knew further persuasion was useless. He nodded. "Alright, I respect your choice. If you love her, go after her."

If possible, he didn't want Isabella to return to Michael either. Michael had hurt Isabella too many times.