"But you're not just dealing with business anymore, Michael," i said, stepping closer. "This is about family. And family is messy. You don't just walk away when things get tough."
Michael's gaze softened slightly, but the tension in his body remained. "What do you want me to do, Isabella? I can't keep cleaning up his messes. It's exhausting, and it's never enough."
I hesitated to say anything, feeling the weight of my words before i speak. "Maybe what he needs isn't for you to fix things for him. Maybe he needs you to show him what it means to take responsibility, to be part of this family, not just the Hartley business."
Michael's shoulders slumped, the fight draining out of him. "I don't know if I can reach him anymore."
I reached for his hand, lacing my fingers through his. "You won't know unless you try. But I'm here with you, no matter what happens."
