Chapter 53

Michael didn't even bother to turn around when Benjamin started yelling. Some folks had all the book smarts, but when it came to actually doing stuff, they were clueless.

After leaving the bar, Michael paused for a second and decided to head over to Isabella's place.

He had a key to her house from last time. He unlocked the door like a pro and instinctively looked for his slippers, only to find them tossed into the cabinet.

"Seriously? Mad at me and taking it out on my slippers?" Michael muttered, pulling them out and slipping them on, shaking his head.

It was late, and Isabella's place was dark, except for a faint blue glow coming from her bedroom.

"Why's she still up?" Michael wondered, heading to her room. He found her passed out at her desk, her computer still on.

"How come she's still working so late?" Michael said, surprised, but then he saw what was on the screen and froze.

The screen showed some cosmetic design sketches, and they were for the new products his company was about to launch.

'So, Isabella's in on this design competition too. And her stuff looks pretty impressive,' Michael thought, feeling proud. If he didn't have to keep his identity a secret, he'd crown her the winner right then and there.

He looked at her, her hair falling over her face, her lips slightly parted as she slept. He felt a strong urge to kiss her.

'Damn it, calm down. We just had a fight, and we can't afford any misunderstandings right now. Let's wait until the ring is in my hand before we talk.' Michael told himself inwardly. He gently lifted her legs, picked her up, and laid her on the bed.

Even though he was careful, Isabella stirred and opened her eyes as he set her down.

"You're back; I'm so tired," she mumbled, wrapping her arms around his neck before drifting off again.

Once he was sure she was out cold, Michael tucked her in. He watched her sleep, feeling a strong pull to stay by her side all night.

'She didn't seem mad when she saw me. Maybe she's forgiven me? Maybe I don't need Benjamin's advice after all.' The thought crossed his mind, but he quickly dismissed it.

Benjamin did have more experience in some areas. He'd stick to the plan; the ring was already on its way. He watched her for a bit longer, then quietly left the room.

The next morning, Isabella woke up in bed, scratching her head as she remembered Michael coming back last night. Suddenly, she jumped up and rushed to her computer. Seeing her design still on the screen, she let out a sigh of relief.

"Thank goodness Michael didn't shut it down. If he hadn't saved it, all my work this week would've been gone," she muttered to herself, relaxing in her chair. Then she caught a whiff of something delicious.

Isabella opened the bedroom door and headed to the kitchen. To her surprise, there was Michael, wearing an apron and cooking up a storm.

"You're up? Perfect timing for breakfast. I found some great ingredients in the fridge, so this should be pretty tasty," Michael said, grinning as he set the food on the table.

The smell was mouthwatering, and Isabella quickly dashed to the bathroom to freshen up before sitting down to eat.

"Wow, your cooking is amazing. I didn't expect this. Looks like I won't need to cook for John later; I'll just use these leftovers," Isabella said, catching Michael off guard.

Michael frowned. "Why do you need to cook for John?"

"Didn't you hear? John got into a car accident. Mason asked me to cook for him and offered to pay me. I don't have a job right now, so I could really use the money," Isabella explained, enjoying her meal.

Michael's eyebrows knitted together. He knew John was in the hospital but didn't expect Mason to ask Isabella to cook for him.

'Is Mason still trying to set up John and Isabella? At least she doesn't seem too thrilled about it,' Michael thought, feeling a bit relieved.

Just then, Michael's phone buzzed with a message saying the ring had been delivered.

"You go ahead and eat. I need to take care of something at the office," Michael said, taking off the apron, slipping on his shoes, and heading out.

Isabella quickly finished her meal. She looked at the leftovers and called John's bodyguard to come over.

She packed the leftovers into a lunch box and handed it to the bodyguard to take to John. With that done, Isabella went back to her computer to continue her design work. The prize for this competition was huge, and she was confident she could win.

When she finally finished her last piece, she stretched and checked the time. It was already afternoon. Just as she was about to make lunch, her phone rang. It was Amelia.

"Isabella, want to see what your husband looks like at work?" Amelia teased, sending a photo right after.

The photo showed Michael's back as he walked into the Williams Group building. Isabella knew Michael worked there but had never seen him in action. People always said men looked their best when working, and she was curious.

"Have you eaten? I'm cooking now; I'll bring you some," Isabella said with a smile.

Amelia rolled her eyes on the other end. "If you want to see Michael, just say so. And go easy on the chili. I've been a bit sensitive to spice lately."

Isabella laughed and hung up, then started preparing a lavish meal.

After finishing, she called John's bodyguard to pick up the food for John, then took a lunch box and headed to see Amelia.

When Amelia saw Isabella with the lunch box, she was stunned.

"Isabella, I have to admit, I'm jealous. You've never brought me anything this fancy," Amelia said, looking at Isabella with a hint of envy.