Chapter 357

Isabella noticed Michael's face change when Lila brought up Benjamin's college days.

When Isabella asked about it, Michael just nodded.

"Remember when Lila said Benjamin's now a top-notch surgeon?" Michael asked quietly.

Isabella nodded. Of course, she remembered.

Michael went on, "Back in college, Benjamin was studying medicine, but no one really knew what he'd become. He was so low-key that no one knew his background. Lila started dating him because he was good-looking, though not as good-looking as me."

Isabella rolled her eyes at Michael's smug look and playfully tugged his ear.

"Yeah, yeah, you're handsome. But can you stop bragging for a second? I'm more interested in what happened next," Isabella said, rolling her eyes again.

Michael shrugged and continued, "Everyone thought he was just some poor student with no future. When graduation came around, Lila figured he was going nowhere, so she dumped him for the school leader's son. Benjamin was crushed."

Isabella quickly caught on. Lila must have seen how successful Benjamin had become and wanted to get back with him, pushing Amelia aside to be his girlfriend.

With that in mind, Isabella had another question.

She looked at Michael curiously and asked, "If Lila picked boyfriends based on looks, why didn't she go for you?"

Michael rolled his eyes. "Did you forget about Scarlett? She was always around, scaring off any girl who showed interest in me. I was single all through college."

Isabella laughed, covering her mouth. "Well, I guess I should thank Scarlett for saving me such a great husband."

Michael sighed and patted her hand. "What are you talking about? Why thank Scarlett? Even if someone had pursued me, I would've turned them down. I never found women like Lila attractive. Only someone as naive as Benjamin would fall for her."

Just then, the waiter started serving food to Benjamin and the others, and Benjamin looked pretty stressed about the tension between the two women.

The waiter gave him an out.

"Lila, let's eat first. We have plans later. How about we grab coffee another day?" Benjamin was hinting for Lila to leave.

Lila didn't want to go, but she knew it wasn't the right time to push her agenda.

"Alright, I won't bother you guys. Enjoy your meal, I'll head out." Lila waved and left the restaurant.

After she left, Benjamin sighed in relief, and Amelia let go of his arm.

"Come on, babe, don't give me that look. I haven't talked to Lila in ages," Benjamin said with a sheepish grin.

Amelia kept eating, her voice calm. "You don't need to explain, I trust you."

"But your face says otherwise," Benjamin muttered under his breath.

Isabella watched the awkward scene unfold, with Benjamin looking all stressed out while Amelia stayed cool as a cucumber. It was clear to everyone there was some tension, but Benjamin seemed clueless about what was really going on.

"Hey, babe, want something to drink? I found this coffee shop earlier, and their coffee is amazing. Want me to grab you some?" Michael suddenly asked Isabella.

Isabella was confused at first, but then she caught on to Michael's hint. She turned to Amelia and said, "Amelia, that coffee shop Michael mentioned is really good. Want to try some too?"

Amelia was surprised but quickly nodded. "Sure, let's give it a shot."

Michael gave Benjamin a look, and he got the message right away.

"You guys hang tight. I'll go get it. Be right back." Benjamin eagerly ran out, seeing it as a chance to score some points with Amelia.

As soon as Benjamin left, Amelia's calm facade crumbled.

"Ugh, Benjamin is so clueless. Sure, he complimented me, which was nice, but I can't stand seeing him all chummy with Lila! He should've just sent her packing," Amelia fumed.

Michael, still eating, said calmly, "Benjamin's a nice guy. He probably won't do what you expect, but I trust him. He knows what Lila's up to, so you don't have to worry about them getting back together."

Amelia sighed, "I trust him too, but he really needs to change his ways."

Isabella suddenly perked up, leaning in excitedly. "How about we form an Anti-Jerk Alliance? We can crush Lila's hopes and show her that Benjamin's off the market."

Amelia's eyes lit up. "That's a fantastic idea! With you two on board, it'll definitely work."

Michael shrugged, "I'm in. I always listen to my wife."

Amelia looked at Isabella with a hint of envy. "I wish Benjamin understood me like your husband does."

Michael said calmly, "Give Benjamin more chances. When I was trying to win over Isabella, Benjamin gave me a lot of advice. He's great with theory but not so much with practice. Lila messed with his head all through college, so he's kind of lost when it comes to love."

Hearing Michael's words, Amelia felt a pang of sympathy for Benjamin.

Just then, Benjamin came back with the coffee, and everyone quickly changed the subject.