Chapter 499

Before they got started, Olivia turned to Renee and asked, "Hey, we're drinking, which is cool, but don't you have to take care of your boyfriend tomorrow? It's not too late to bail if you need to."

Renee's eyes widened at the thought of missing out.

"He's got someone else looking after him today. Why can't I have a drink? Besides, why stress about tomorrow now? We'll handle it when it comes."

There was no way she was going to miss out on the fun while the others partied.

Without a second thought, Renee pushed Aaron to the back of her mind. Michael was keeping an eye on him anyway, so she wasn't worried.

And so, their impromptu drinking session kicked off.

Renee suggested they have a barbecue, so Cinda moved the grill to the backyard. The three of them gathered around, grilling and eating, each holding a can of beer.

Olivia and Renee quickly started a drinking contest, while Isabella focused on grilling the meat, not bothering to join in their antics. It was a spontaneous gathering, so she let them enjoy themselves.

As Isabella was turning the skewers, her phone rang. She glanced at the number, excused herself, and went inside to take the call.

The moment she left, Renee noticed Olivia's mischievous grin as she watched Isabella walk away.

Renee squinted at Olivia, puzzled. "What's with that look? Planning another prank?"

Olivia raised an eyebrow and smiled mysteriously. "Take a guess."

Renee took a sip of her beer, exasperated. "No need to guess. It's written all over your face. What are you up to this time?"

Olivia's eyes widened in mock surprise. "How did you know? I haven't even said anything yet!"

Atticus had once told her she couldn't hide her thoughts and should be more discreet around others. Turns out, he was right.

Renee chuckled. "It's practically written on your face. If you don't spill, I'll tell Isabella that the call she just took was..."

"Don't, don't!" Olivia quickly reached out to stop her. "Fine, I'll tell you. It's no big deal. I just arranged a little surprise for Isabella. If all goes well, the person should be here soon."

"A surprise? Who is it?" Renee asked, intrigued.

Olivia blinked and revealed, "It's the guy her uncles set her up with, the VP of the Wilson Group, Emilio!"

"You invited him over?" Renee was genuinely surprised.

She had heard of Emilio but didn't know much about him.

Olivia nodded. "Yep. Isabella's single now. She has the right to meet new people. Michael's been so wishy-washy about their relationship. Who knows what he really wants? Isabella is young and beautiful. Why shouldn't she find someone who truly loves and cares for her?"

Olivia kept talking, while Renee listened, stunned.

"Olivia, weren't you just telling Isabella to give Michael another chance? Now you're setting her up with someone else?"

Renee had thought Olivia was on Michael's side, urging Isabella to accept his love and give their relationship another shot. But now, she was pushing for Emilio? Whose side was Olivia really on?

Renee was thoroughly confused.

Olivia looked at Renee in disbelief. "Renee, how could you think that? I'm always on Isabella's side. I want her to move on from Michael. But you know how she can't seem to forget him. If I don't push her, do you think she'll ever move on? Isabella's been hurt so badly by Michael that she's almost given up on love. I just want her to take a step forward."

Olivia wanted Isabella to face reality, to move on even if she still had feelings for Michael. But that didn't mean she supported Isabella staying with him. Michael had hurt Isabella deeply. How could he have the nerve to ask for reconciliation after their divorce?

"You have a point," Renee admitted after a moment. "But something still feels off."

"Of course, I'm right," Olivia said proudly, pointing outside. "Just wait and see. Emilio is a great guy-handsome, kind, and he likes Isabella. He's even willing to stay at the Wilson Group for her. How can we let such a good man slip away?"

As Olivia praised Emilio, Renee's mind wandered, recalling what she knew about him. Emilio, the current VP of the Wilson Group, had a mysterious background. Even the Adri Family, known for their information-gathering skills, had little on him. Was he genuinely interested in Isabella, or did he have ulterior motives? Renee couldn't help but worry.

"Olivia, do you really know Emilio well? What kind of person is he?"

"Of course! Emilio and Isabella were childhood friends. He moved abroad when he was young, though. He..."

Talking about Emilio and Isabella's connection, Olivia couldn't stop. But they didn't know that the call Isabella took wasn't from Emilio. It was from Nolan.

Standing in the living room, Isabella's grip on her phone tightened, her body radiating cold anger.

"Nolan, enough is enough. I told you I don't like you and I don't want to see you again!"

She had only answered to avoid worrying Olivia and Renee. She hadn't expected Nolan to be so shameless. After all the rumors and scandals, he still had the nerve to ask her out for dinner!