Chapter 398

Avery smacked Joseph right across the face.

Joseph, clutching his cheek, stared at Avery in shock.

"You're acting crazy! I'm not gonna help you wreck someone's marriage. Anyone who does that deserves to burn in hell," Avery snapped before storming off.

Joseph slumped onto the couch, still holding his face, silent. After a while, he let out a long, slow sigh.

Even though Avery posted proof on social media that she was at the café that day, people still swarmed her account, asking why her brother was holding Isabella's hand with such a loving look in his eyes.

Avery had no clue how to respond to all the questions.

After all, Joseph was the face of the family. It was super embarrassing for the heir to be chasing after someone else's wife and getting turned down.

"What am I supposed to say? Should I tell them Joseph is practicing for an acting gig with Isabella?" Avery muttered, scratching her head in frustration. The idea was ridiculous.

Avery's post didn't do much to help. Instead, it just reignited the whole conversation.

She sent someone to the café, but as Isabella had predicted, Bianca had already taken all the surveillance footage.

The café owner couldn't say no to Bianca.

Meanwhile, Michael had heard the rumors about Isabella's supposed infidelity.

But Michael didn't buy it. He quickly figured out it was all Joseph's doing.

Michael immediately called Jerry.

"Find out where Joseph is right now and let me know," Michael said calmly.

Jerry, who answered the phone, shivered. He knew Michael well, and the calmer he sounded, the angrier he was. Michael was like a volcano about to blow. Jerry knew Joseph was in deep trouble.

Bianca, scrolling through the online comments, felt pretty pleased with herself. Most of the comments were trashing Isabella. It was clear that if Isabella couldn't come up with evidence, the products she endorsed would definitely take a hit.

"Keep trashing her, the nastier the better! Isabella's got no proof now; she's just waiting for Joseph to speak up. But as the heir of a big family, he can't let this disgrace slide. Isabella, let's see how you compete with me now," Bianca said with a cold smile.

Meanwhile, Isabella had finished work and headed home.

She expected Michael to start questioning her as soon as she walked in, but to her surprise, he was busy making dinner.

"Hey babe, welcome back. How do you like the pan-seared cod? I tried some new seasonings this time, and I think it turned out pretty good," Michael said gently.

Isabella walked up to him, smiling. "Honey, don't you have any questions for me?" she asked.

Michael paused, then shook his head with a smile. "Nope, why would I? Is there something I should be asking?"

Isabella leaned against the kitchen counter, eyeing Michael. "Shouldn't you ask why some guy was holding my hand today? Don't tell me you missed the news."

Michael looked at her and smiled. "I saw it. But so what? I trust you. I know it's just a misunderstanding."

Isabella suddenly hugged him, her voice full of gratitude. "You're amazing. Thank you for trusting me."

Michael picked up a piece of fish and fed it to her. "Go wash your hands and let's eat. I'm starving."

He brought the food to the table, and Isabella, still chewing the fish, quickly washed her hands.

She looked at the lavish spread and grinned. "Be honest, darling. Are you thinking: 'My wife is so popular, I need to be on my best behavior. I can't afford to argue with her - that would only push her into my rival's arms. I should play the role of the gentle, caring husband. That way, she'll feel guilty and love me even more.'"

"If the movie company doesn't hire you as a screenwriter, it's their loss," Michael said, rolling his eyes.

Isabella pouted. "Really? Are you becoming cunning just for me?"

Michael didn't want to argue and nodded, rolling his eyes again. "Okay, dear. You're right. I'm a cunning man using my schemes to win back your love."

"I knew it, you sly man," Isabella joked, pinching his nose.

Michael swatted her hand away. "Stop pinching my nose, I'll turn into Pinocchio."

"Even if you were a puppet, I'd still love you," Isabella said, smiling.

Michael smirked. "If I were really Pinocchio, I'm afraid you'd ride on my face," he said, looking at her.

"Why?" Isabella asked, puzzled.

Michael's smile turned mischievous. "Because Pinocchio's nose would keep growing and shrinking with lies and truths."

Isabella tilted her head, quickly catching on. Her face turned red instantly.

"You're always thinking dirty," she said, annoyed, picking up a spoon and lightly tapping him on the head.

Michael rubbed his forehead, waving his hand with a smile. "Alright, dear, I was just joking. Let's talk about the company. How did that thing you were dealing with go?"

Isabella put down the spoon, looking a bit helpless. "Avery testified for me, but it didn't help much because she couldn't explain why Joseph was holding my hand. As the heir, they wouldn't want such a shameful incident publicized."

"So Joseph is keeping quiet now, right?" Michael asked calmly.

"Yeah, how could he possibly clarify this to the media?" Isabella nodded helplessly, a piece of meat skewered on her fork, but she had lost her appetite.

At that moment, Michael's phone lit up with a message from Jerry, revealing Joseph's location.

"Honey, wait for me at home. I need to handle something," Michael said with a smile before leaving the mansion.