Chapter 137

Michael felt a bit down after the meal. Mason had been grilling Estella, which meant he might've picked up on something.

Estella was on edge. She noticed Mason's questions, but luckily, Jerry had prepped her well, so she managed to handle it.

As dinner wrapped up, Mason had the table cleared, and a maid brought in some tea.

"Michael, since you're not around much, why not stick around a bit longer? I'll have the maid set up rooms for you two," Mason suggested with a smile.

Michael smiled and nodded, but Estella looked uneasy and glanced at him.

"Michael, did you forget something?" Estella whispered.

Mason caught her concern and asked with a grin, "What's up? Ms. Foster, don't you want to stay?"

Estella blushed and quickly explained, "I'm really sorry, Mr. Williams. I'm in the middle of filming a movie. Michael said you wanted to see me, so I took a day off to come here. I have to fly back to Seraphim tonight to finish shooting."

Michael hesitated, then nodded. "Yeah, Mason, this movie is a big deal for Estella. She's working with some big stars and a famous director. It's her first major role. If she's late, it could really hurt her reputation."

They said this to keep Mason from getting suspicious and to make sure Estella could leave quickly after her part.

But they weren't lying; the director and actors were legit. Michael had pulled some strings to get Estella a significant supporting role, which was also a kind of advance payment for her.

Hearing this, Mason didn't feel right keeping Estella any longer.

"Alright, I guess we'll have to catch up next time," Mason said with a smile.

"It's getting late; we should head out," Michael said, tapping his watch and looking at Estella.

Estella nodded, stood up, and smiled at Mason. "Mr. Williams, I'm really sorry about this. Once I wrap up my work, I'll be back to see you and bring some gifts."

"Just having you here is enough; no need for gifts," Mason said with a smile as he stood up to see them off.

John wheeled himself next to Mason. After watching Michael and Estella drive away, John couldn't hold back his curiosity.

"Grandpa, it seemed like you were testing Michael and Estella just now," John asked, puzzled.

Mason's smile faded. He didn't answer John but looked at his watch, as if waiting for something.

After a while, Charles came hurrying over.

"Mr. Mason Williams, I've checked. Ms. Foster and Mr. Michael Williams are indeed married. Their marriage is registered in Aurora Continent. Ms. Foster is really an actress, and she recently took on a major film project, though only as a supporting role," Charles reported solemnly.

John's eyes went wide with shock as he looked at Mason. "Grandpa, you actually had someone dig into Estella. Why'd you do that?"

Mason waved Charles away and said seriously, "Because I think their marriage is a sham. Michael brought Estella here to fool me."

John was even more confused. "Why would he do that? Unless the woman he's really married to is someone special and he doesn't want us to know about her?"

Mason, surprised, smiled. "If such a woman exists, who do you think she could be?"

John furrowed his brows, thinking hard. Suddenly, his face lit up as if he had figured it out.

"Aha! Maybe his real wife is older-like, fifties or sixties! He's probably worried we'll all freak out about the age difference!" John's eyes lit up.

Mason was practically spitting mad at how dumb John was being. He gripped his cane tightly, raised it high, but then sighed and put it down, seeing John still had his leg in a cast.

"Alright, there's nothing more for you here. You can go now," Mason waved his hand, signaling a servant to take John away.

After John left, still puzzled, Mason sighed.

"I sure hope you didn't marry Isabella. That would make things really awkward," Mason grumbled, shaking his head. He then called Charles back.

"Spread the news about Michael's marriage and Estella's identity," Mason instructed Charles solemnly.

Charles nodded and went to make the arrangements.

Meanwhile, Isabella, after chatting with Kevin and Gabrielle, learned about their preferences, especially Gabrielle's.

When Isabella brought out the wine she had prepared, Gabrielle wasn't exactly thrilled. But when she smelled the familiar aroma and tasted the wine, her eyes lit up.

"Oh my God, I can't believe the wine I've been searching for all these years is produced by Isabella's winery," Gabrielle said excitedly.

Isabella smiled and said, "Mrs. Hamilton, if you like it, I'll send you some every year."

"Thank you so much. I'm only into your wine," Gabrielle said gratefully.

Kevin, who had been silent, sighed. "Isabella, you gave us wine as a gift because you want to work with me, right?"

Gabrielle's expression shifted. She knew Kevin well enough to realize he wasn't easily swayed by gifts.

However, Isabella's face was full of confidence. "Please rest assured, Mr. Hamilton. I'm not trying to bribe you into a partnership. I just want to be friends, and I think our work speaks for itself."

Kevin looked at the confidence on Isabella's face and recalled that Michael had said the same thing to him.

A smile appeared on Kevin's face. "I'm eager to see what you've got to show me."