Chapter 456

Nolan listened to Isabella's detailed analysis of his next steps, his expression growing darker with each word.

Just as he understood Isabella, she understood him just as well.

She was right.

All of this was a scheme he had devised to win her over.

He had already planned every possible outcome, ensuring that no matter what, Isabella would end up being his.

Whether it was real or fake, it didn't matter.

As long as she was his, he was confident he could make her fall in love with him over time.

Just like he had successfully made her dependent on him over the past few years.

So, even though Isabella had seen through his plan, he wasn't going to stop.

"Isabella, I've always said we're the perfect match. Look at how well you know me," Nolan's voice was low and calm over the phone, betraying no emotion.

"So, since you already know how this will play out, why not join me in planning it? Don't you think it would be fun to watch everyone else scramble from above?"

"Nolan, what exactly are you trying to do?"

Was Nolan really this crazy?

Even after she had exposed his scheme, he still wanted to drag her into it.

"Isabella, don't be mad. What's done is done and can't be undone. So, why not be with me? I promise I'll love you for the rest of my life."

"And besides, you don't want to see the Wilson Group's reputation go down the drain, do you?"

Nolan's tone was coaxing, trying to pull Isabella into his camp.

Because before he even started this plan, he had already thought of every possible fallback and blocked them all.

So, once this matter escalated, no one would be able to suppress it. They would just have to watch the public outcry unfold.

And the best, most effective solution was exactly what Isabella had suggested: he would take all the blame upon himself, binding himself to Isabella in the name of love to break the deadlock.

A recently divorced woman being rumored to be involved with her ex-husband's brother, with solid evidence to back it up.

Even an ordinary family couldn't accept such a damaging rumor, let alone the Wilson Family, which held half of Evergreen City.

So, he was certain Isabella would choose him.

It was the only way to save the Wilson Group's reputation.

The Wilson Group was handed to her by her grandfather; she would never let anything happen to the company.

She was too smart not to know the solution.

Hearing Nolan's last sentence, Isabella's hands trembled with anger.

"Nolan, so this is your true nature. How can you be so despicable!"

Thinking back to all the times she had defended him, all the times she had stood up for him in front of Michael, Isabella felt like it was all a joke.

She had been blind to consider him her best friend.

When Michael had spoken ill of him, she had been the first to defend him.

Knowing he was mistreated and undervalued in the Brown Family, she had risked being misunderstood by Michael to bring him birthday gifts and celebrate with him.

Now, looking back, she realized she had misplaced her trust and affection.

He wasn't worth it at all!

"Isabella, I don't like you talking to me like this. I love you. No matter how ruthless I become, my heart is true to you."

"You probably don't know this, but I've even prepared a proposal. The ring is your favorite style. Once I sort things out at the company, I'll come to your house and talk to your uncles. We'll have the wedding exactly as you want it. I won't let you suffer any grievances."

"Nolan, you're dreaming. I will never agree to this!" Isabella blurted out.

She had finally seen through Nolan. He was a wolf in sheep's clothing, a complete madman.

How could she possibly agree to marry him and be with someone like him?

The thought of sharing a bed with such a deceitful and ruthless person made Isabella feel sick.

She wasn't crazy. Even if there was no other solution, she wouldn't agree to his demands.

But Nolan didn't care about Isabella's thoughts at all.

The plan was already in motion, and he wouldn't let anyone stop its progress.

Not even Isabella herself.

He smiled, still speaking in that gentle tone.

"Isabella, behave. I understand how you feel right now. This is all very sudden for you, and it's normal to have trouble accepting it."

"I'm not forcing you to agree right now. Take your time to process it. In a month, I'll have everything ready and propose to you at the Wilson Family. Then you'll be my wife."

"You don't need to worry about anything. Just rest and prepare to be the most beautiful bride."

As Nolan spoke, he was already envisioning their grand wedding in his mind.

In front of everyone, Isabella, dressed in a white wedding gown, would walk towards him step by step.

But the next second, Isabella's furious voice shattered his fantasy.

"Nolan, have you no shame? Give up on the idea of me marrying you!"

With that, Isabella hung up the phone with a snap.

She couldn't bear to listen to another word, fearing she might rush to the Brown Group and give Nolan a good beating.

He was a madman.

Throwing her phone aside, Isabella collapsed onto the bed, feeling drained.

She didn't need to ask Shadow to investigate the Brown Group's crisis anymore.

The real culprit was right in front of her.

And it was Nolan who she had never expected.

For years, he had played the role of a brother, earning her complete trust and dependence. When the time was right, he returned to the country and set his plans and revenge in motion.

He had planned all of this long ago.

For three whole years, he hadn't shown a single flaw.

How deep did Nolan's scheming go?

Compared to the online rumors, she was more worried about one person now.

Michael had been injured for her, and now he had lost control of the company because of Nolan. Given his current emotional state, she was really worried he might lose control.

Michael seemed strong, but he was more fragile inside than anyone else.

The more she thought about it, the more anxious she became.

She urgently needed to know where Michael was.

She couldn't wait any longer.

She had to find out where he was now. If something happened to him, she would regret it forever.

With that thought, Isabella made up her mind and picked up her phone to call Atticus.

"Uncle Atticus, can you find out where Michael is right now? Yes, right now!"

Her tone was firm.

No matter what her relationship with Michael was now, she just wanted to see him safe and sound.