Chapter 493

Neither Aaron nor Renee knew much about Nolan, let alone recognizing a watch that appeared on surveillance for just a second.

In this world, the only person who could identify that watch besides Nolan himself was Isabella.

After all, she was the one who gave it to him.

As the person involved, how could Isabella not recognize it?

When Aaron laid out all the evidence in front of him last night, Michael had already concluded that Isabella was part of this investigation.

And the only reason she would do this, besides helping him, was because she still had feelings for him.

She couldn't bear to see him in trouble, so she decided to lend him a hand.

Seeing the look on Michael's face, as if he had figured it all out, Isabella couldn't help but blush.

She had only wanted to help him secretly, without him knowing, but she didn't expect him to see through it all at this moment.

And he even said it out loud.

No matter what, she wouldn't admit it.

If she nodded, it would completely negate everything she had just said and indirectly admit that she still liked Michael.

No way.

She couldn't let Michael see that she still had feelings for him.

Michael had hurt her so much in the past. If she just went along with his wishes because of a few words, what would that make her?

"I didn't do any of this. If you don't believe me, you can ask Aaron!"

Isabella was determined not to give in.

Michael, however, found her current demeanor incredibly adorable. She clearly cared about him deeply but wouldn't admit it because of her pride.

In a way, it was all his fault.

If he had realized her worth and his own feelings earlier, there wouldn't have been so many misunderstandings between them.

He gently held her shoulders, pulling her into his arms, and sighed deeply.

"It's my fault for hurting you so deeply before. It's normal for you not to forgive me. I just want to tell you that my feelings for you are genuine, without any ulterior motives. So, admitting you like me isn't that hard, right?"

Maybe it was Michael's gentle voice, or perhaps his embrace that felt so warm and comforting.

Feeling the long-lost warmth, Isabella had a moment of longing.

"Yes, I did like you, very much."

Isabella's husky voice came from Michael's embrace, and that short sentence made him tremble all over. He could no longer control his emotions and held her tightly.

He never wanted to let go again.

But the next second, Isabella's voice rang out again, bringing Michael back to reality.

"But Michael, it's been three years, and in these three years, I haven't gotten through to you. I'm exhausted, and whatever love we had... you wore it down to nothing."

"About what you mentioned earlier-yes, I wanted to help you, but only because of our history together. Nothing more."

"Now Aiden's trusted me with this gem. I helped you this time, but only out of obligation and common sense. Do you get that?"

This was the most reasonable and least suspicious explanation Isabella could think of.

Whether it was Michael's confession or his genuine feelings, she couldn't fully trust it.

She feared it was just a fleeting novelty for him.

When that novelty wore off, what would be left for her?

So, she used Aiden as a shield. Even if she got entangled with Michael again, she would wake up at the last moment.

"Can we trust each other just this once, Bella?"

It was the first time Michael called her by that nickname.

Even though he'd used it countless times in his thoughts, he'd never said it aloud to Isabella before.

Isabella froze, caught off guard.

The sudden intimacy of a nickname from Michael-who had always addressed her formally as Isabella, even around family-left her momentarily speechless. His voice had softened to a tone she'd never heard before.

"What did you just call me?"

This time, it was Michael's turn to look embarrassed. He lowered his head, burying his face in her shoulder, and his deep voice came out softly.

"Bella, I just don't want to call you the same as everyone else. I want a name that's just for us. Can I call you that from now on? Only I can call you that, no one else. Bella."

Michael's husky voice called her name over and over, filled with deep affection.

Isabella stood there, her mind blank.

Did she hear that right?

Michael was speaking to her so gently, using a nickname no one else had ever called her.

If it weren't for the warmth of his breath on her neck, Isabella would have thought she was dreaming.

It felt too unreal.

After a while, Isabella came back to her senses and gently pushed Michael away.

"Michael, you..."

Michael responded softly but still didn't want to let go.

He had finally held her for a few minutes and didn't want to let go at all.

Isabella gathered her thoughts and asked.

"You're here because of Aiden's illness, right? Or maybe you want to use my status and the Wilson Family's background to help you take back the Brown Group from Nolan!"

In Evergreen City, the most influential families were the Browns and the Wilsons. Now that Michael had been framed and lost his power, the quickest way was through her.

With just a little help from the Wilson Family, Michael could easily regain his position as the head of the Brown Group.

Of course, that depended on whether she was willing to help!

Isabella deeply desired Michael's affection, but she also understood that the past couldn't be ignored. He hadn't loved her before.

If he claimed to like her now, it was just a fleeting feeling, not something she could rely on.

If she gave in, she would fall into his trap again, and the outcome would be no different from now.

So, she needed to make everything clear.

Hearing this, Michael stood up straight and faced Isabella.

His eyes were full of disbelief.

Did she really think he was someone who would manipulate others' feelings to get what he wanted?

Was that how low she thought of him?

"Bella, listen to me, I never..."

"No need!"

Isabella raised her hand to stop him. His expression had already told her everything.

And she knew what to do.

"Nolan didn't just frame you, so the Wilson Family will help you. I'll talk to my uncles. They may have personal opinions about you, but in such important matters, they will consider the bigger picture."