Chapter 156

Isabella had no clue that her scheme against Bianca was already a bust. Even if Benjamin found out Bianca was as healthy as a horse, Bianca could just say she had recovered.

Meanwhile, Isabella, Benjamin, and Michael were hiding in a corner, watching Aria strut towards Amelia.

Aria took a deep breath, pouted, crossed her arms, and swayed her hips as she blocked Amelia's way.

"So, you're Amelia. I can see you and Benjamin have something going on. But let's be honest, you're not that into him, are you? So, step aside. I've got my eye on him," Aria said, full of herself.

Amelia frowned. "Whether I like Benjamin or not is my business. What's it got to do with you?"

Aria kept her arms crossed and sneered. "It's obvious Benjamin likes you. Even when he's talking to me, his eyes are always on you. If you don't like him, just reject him and give me a shot. I'd appreciate it."

"I don't need your appreciation. And your tricks are really lame. I'm not interested in playing your silly games," Amelia said, feeling a surge of anger. She turned to leave but Aria blocked her again.

Aria lifted her chin and said arrogantly, "Judging by your clothes, you're not wealthy, are you? But Benjamin is loaded! You two have nothing in common. Why not give me a chance? My dad owns several wineries. I'm the one who truly matches him!"

A cold smile appeared on Amelia's lips. She flexed her wrists and clenched her fists, asking, "Well, I'd like to see if your rich skin and bones are any tougher than anyone else's."

Seeing Amelia about to throw down, Aria stepped back in fear. Isabella patted Benjamin's shoulder, signaling with her eyes that it was his turn to step in.

Benjamin nodded, took a deep breath, and walked over with a smile, pretending to just pass by.

"Amelia, Aria, what are you doing here? The grapes are laid out to dry. We should move on to the next step," Benjamin said as he approached, standing next to Aria.

Aria immediately hugged Benjamin's arm, acting all coy. "Benjamin, I'm ready. Let's stomp the grapes together! I want to make wine with you."

A flash of hesitation crossed Benjamin's face as he instinctively looked at Amelia.

Amelia crossed her arms and said coldly, "Why are you looking at me? If she's inviting you, just go ahead. Plus, I don't like wine that's been stomped with feet anyway."

Benjamin felt a pang of bitterness but pretended to be indifferent as he nodded. "Alright, if you're not into it, then Aria, let's do this."

"Are you sure Aria isn't an actress? She seems better than some movie stars," Michael whispered. Isabella smiled. "You don't understand. In some ways, women are natural actresses. I think Benjamin's acting could use some work. He's kind of dragging Aria down."

Michael's mouth twitched. "So, is it our turn to step in now?"

Isabella nodded and pulled Michael along as they stepped forward.

"What are you all doing here?" Isabella said, pretending to be surprised, then her expression turned anxious.

"Ms. Clark, it's great you're here! My husband lost his watch, probably while picking grapes. We don't know where it is. Could you help us find it?" Isabella said, looking at Aria expectantly.

Aria hesitated for a moment.

Amelia frowned at Michael. "But Isabella, isn't your husband's watch right there on his wrist?"

Isabella froze for a moment, then shot Michael a furious glare. According to the plan, Michael was supposed to take off his watch, but he had forgotten!

Michael's eye twitched, and he said seriously, "She is mistaken. What I lost was a pocket watch, an heirloom from my grandfather! It has my grandmother's photo inside!"

"A pocket watch? Oh my goodness, that's a precious item! Aria, you must help Michael find it. That watch means a lot to him!" Benjamin exclaimed, grabbing Aria's shoulders and shaking her vigorously.

Isabella and Michael simultaneously covered their faces in exasperation. Benjamin's acting was so over-the-top that it was painfully embarrassing to watch.

Aria's mouth twitched, and she forced a smile. "I do have a responsibility to help this gentleman find his pocket watch, but that means we can't make wine together."

Isabella quickly interrupted Benjamin's awkward performance. "It's okay. Amelia can help. Could you help us find the pocket watch first? Thank you so much, Ms. Clark."

As Isabella spoke, she forcibly separated Benjamin and Aria, pulling Aria along and pushing her towards the distance.

Aria looked back at Benjamin, her eyes filled with reluctance and helplessness, her emotions vividly portrayed. Just as Isabella had said, women were natural actresses.

"I never agreed to stomp grapes with Benjamin," Amelia said, tilting her head in dissatisfaction.

"You were the one who invited us out to have fun. Now everyone is participating while you're just standing there watching. That's not good, is it? Come on, it'll be more fun if we all join in," Isabella said, holding Amelia's hand with a hopeful look.

Amelia looked at Isabella, then at Benjamin. Finally, she sighed and nodded.

"Alright, I get it. Let's stomp the grapes together. Wait... why don't we just chill together and let them do the dirty work?" Amelia asked, looking at Isabella.

Michael walked over and wrapped his arm around Isabella's shoulders possessively. "My lovely wife belongs by my side! Only a devil would separate a loving couple! Don't you agree, darling?"

With that, Michael suddenly leaned down and planted a firm kiss on Isabella's lips.

Isabella's cheeks turned bright red, and she glared at Michael angrily. This wasn't in the script!