Chapter 98

Bob got Scarlett's message and hustled over to the address with his crew.

After checking Isabella's photo, Bob looked up and was floored.

"Who the heck needs 12 bodyguards just for a city tour? She sure values her life. Even the president doesn't roll that deep." Bob and his buddies were all blown away.

Michael held Isabella's hand as they strolled down the street, surrounded by 12 bodyguards.

The bodyguards in their black suits were so obvious that people couldn't help but stare, some even whipped out their phones to snap pics.

Isabella felt super embarrassed. She squeezed Michael's hand and asked, "Do we really need this many people to protect me? This is so awkward."

"It's fine. It's my dad's idea. He really cares about you," Michael said with a smile, though he felt pretty helpless inside.

"If it weren't for the language barrier, I would've hired those two kangaroos as Isabella's bodyguards! As for you, I don't think you can protect her well." Those were Kenna's exact words.

Even though Isabella got this was Kenna's idea, she still felt really uncomfortable.

"I know your dad's loaded, but isn't hiring so many bodyguards for me too expensive?" Isabella asked, worried. She didn't want Kenna to feel any financial strain because of her.

Michael had already thought of an answer. He grinned and said, "These bodyguards might look tough, but they're actually just local college students working part-time."

Isabella paused and took a closer look at the bodyguards. Besides the two female bodyguards, the other ten were burly guys with fierce looks.

Isabella leaned in and whispered to Michael, "Those guys look like they're 40. Are they really still in college?"

Michael scratched his mouth and whispered back, "They just look older. Don't judge by appearances."

Isabella still found it hard to buy Michael's story. It seemed impossible for someone to look that old at a young age.

Isabella hesitated, then walked up to one of the oldest-looking bodyguards and poked his shirt. "Excuse me, sir, how old are you?"

The bodyguard turned around, revealing a bright smile with deep wrinkles at the corners of his eyes. "Mrs. Williams, I'm 24 years old!"

Isabella's eyes widened in disbelief. "You're only 24? No way! You look like you're 42."

The bodyguard gave a wry smile. "I look older due to years of late nights, smoking, drinking, and indulging in fried foods. Are you saying I'm ugly, Mrs. Williams?"

The bodyguard looked hurt, and Isabella waved her hands frantically.

"No, no, that's not what I meant. You misunderstood. But it's still important to maintain a healthy lifestyle." Isabella awkwardly smiled and then retreated to Michael's side.

Michael looked at Isabella with a teasing grin. "I wasn't wrong, was I? Is he feeling like you're dissing him?"

Isabella glared at Michael, embarrassed. "Enough, let's go."

Just as they were about to leave, a kid on a bike suddenly appeared behind them.

The boy rode up and then crashed right in front of Isabella.

The bodyguards instantly went on high alert.

The bike's wheel was still spinning, and the boy was clutching his leg, groaning in pain.

"He's hurt," Isabella said, moving to help the boy, but Michael held her back.

Michael glanced at the 24-year-old bodyguard, who nodded and approached the boy.

"The security here isn't great. Opportunistic thieves and even robbers exploit people's goodwill to carry out their plans. Take a look. No one's stepping up. It speaks volumes," Michael explained to Isabella.

Isabella looked at the passersby and then at the bodyguards around them, feeling speechless.

"Maybe the passersby think these twelve bodyguards look too intimidating and don't dare to come over. Or maybe they think with so many of us here, we would help the boy, so they don't feel the need to?" Isabella speculated.

Michael shrugged. "Maybe you're right, but you don't know this place like I do."

Isabella looked at Michael defiantly. "But I think that boy is innocent."

Michael's lips curled into a sly smile. "How about a bet? If I'm right, you grant me a wish. If you're right, I'll grant you one."

Isabella found Michael's smile was somewhat mysterious. Yet, she remained assured that she wouldn't lose; there couldn't be that many bad people in the world.

"Alright, I'll take that bet. Let's see if the boy is innocent!" Isabella said, her expression turning serious.

Not far away, Bob and his friends were watching the teenager on the bike, their eyes full of hopeful anticipation.

'Women are kind-hearted, most of them are. She'll definitely come closer when she sees a boy in need of help. Then we can slip the goods into her bag,' Bob thought, a smile spreading across his face. Even with Isabella's bodyguards, they wouldn't lose.

The teenager lying on the ground was named Billy Murphy. When he saw Isabella approaching, he felt a surge of joy, ready to slip the bag of white powder into her purse.

But Michael stopped Isabella and had a bodyguard step in instead.

"Damn it, that guy ruined our plan," Billy muttered under his breath.

The bodyguard walked up and squatted in front of Billy, who continued to clutch his leg and wail.

"Sir, could you please help me? I think my leg might be broken," Billy said, looking up at the bodyguard with a pained expression.

Billy was the best actor among them; his dream was to become an actor, but he never got the chance.

The bodyguard lowered his head and glanced at Billy's leg, a cold smile appearing on his face.

"I've been to the battlefield. No one understands injuries better than me. Kid, I don't care what you're planning, but you'd better leave now, or else." The bodyguard lightly lifted his shirt, revealing the handgun tucked at his waist.