Chapter 87: No Good End

"Come on, James," Emily said, checking her watch. Dinner time was here.

Just a bit ago in the conference room, she and James were fully aware of what was going on outside.

Eric had tampered the surveillance for her.

She had thought about stepping out to calm things down, but when Elizabeth showed up, she ditched that plan and kept her standoff with James.

Then she heard Mia's voice and knew she had to step out.

James gave a slight nod, glanced at Aaron, who was still in shock, and said coldly, "Follow us."

Aaron snapped out of it and looked at Emily with a mix of emotions.

The day's events had been a lot for him.

Emily noticed the bite mark on Aaron's hand and said nonchalantly, "Aaron, you should get that hand checked out. The Johnson Group will cover all the costs."

After all, it was their employee who hurt Aaron, so they should take full responsibility.

Aaron looked at his wound, and the pain hit him hard, making his face twist in agony.

There had been so much going on that he had momentarily forgotten about his injury.

Just as Emily stepped out of the CEO's office, someone grabbed her leg. Looking down, she saw Ella, crying her eyes out.

Ella, sobbing and sniffling, pleaded, "Emily, please, help me. I can't go to jail, it'll ruin my life."

Emily raised an eyebrow and looked at Elizabeth, who had just followed Ella out.

Elizabeth shrugged. "The company has decided to fire her and sue her for defamation. This is Mr. Johnson's decision."

Emily got it. Mia must have gone upstairs to talk to David; otherwise, David wouldn't have taken such action.

Emily tried to pull her leg back but couldn't. She looked down at Ella and said, "If I were you, I'd find a good lawyer to minimize the punishment instead of asking for impossible forgiveness."

Ella's face went pale, and she clung to Emily's leg, refusing to let go. "I really know my fault, Emily. Please forgive me this time."

She looked up at Emily with a pitiful expression, hoping to see some sympathy in her eyes. But Emily's gaze remained calm and emotionless.

"Ella, you should face the consequences of your actions," Emily said coldly.

Emily had learned this a long time ago. Otherwise, she wouldn't have spent years drugging Gregory.

After marrying James, her focus had been entirely on him. Now she knew that it was stupid, but she had also paid the price for her actions.

As long as the person who made a mistake corrected them, it was fine.

Hearing this, Ella realized Emily wouldn't forgive her. She collapsed to the ground, tears streaming down her face, crying uncontrollably.

When she learned that Emily was Mr. Johnson's daughter, all her hopes were shattered. She couldn't accept this reality.

Emily pulled her leg free and took a few steps forward, hearing Ella sobbing and shouting, "Emily, I'm begging you."

Emily paused for a moment but didn't look back; she just kept walking.

"You're really cold-hearted," James commented as he walked beside her.

Emily glanced at him. "Nice people don't get happy endings, just like I didn't."

James's face tightened at her words.

They didn't speak again until they reached the restaurant.

As Emily approached the entrance, she saw a girl in a white dress, resting her head on her hand and staring out the window.

It was Isabella.

Matthew wasn't around, probably stepped out for a bit.

Some guys at a nearby table were eyeing Isabella with a creepy look.

Emily glanced at the bodyguard following her, took out her phone, and sent a message. The reply came quickly: [OK.]

After that, Emily entered the private room.

James noticed her action, knowing she had reminded someone to keep an eye on Isabella.

He teased, "What? Not afraid of bad endings anymore?"

Emily snorted. Sometimes, James could be really annoying.

Ignoring him, she asked the waiter to serve the pre-ordered dishes.

"James, you'd better stop trying to convince me. I'm not going to help Olivia," Emily emphasized, sipping her tea, "What you owe, you should handle yourself."

James's expression changed, and he responded hesitantly, "You know everything."

"Yes," Emily replied calmly. No point in hiding it.

James stayed silent, his face cold.

He had wanted to explain to Emily but couldn't find the words.

He didn't expect Emily to understand him.

Since the kidnapping, he had sometimes dreamt of Jeremy's tragic death, with he bleeding and begging him to take care of Olivia.

He couldn't refuse the request.

He lowered his eyes, hiding his turbulent emotions.

James wanted to apologize, but before he could speak, his phone rang.

It was Samuel.

"Hey, James, I can't find Harper. Did something happen to her again?" Samuel asked in a tense and loud voice.

Emily heard it clearly and blinked, staying silent.

"Did you search thoroughly?" James's voice was hoarse.

Samuel replied, "I've looked everywhere—her workplace and her home, but she's nowhere."

James stood up and looked at Emily. "Harper is missing. I need to find her."

Emily remained seated, unmoved.

Seeing her indifferent attitude, James frowned.

"Give me the phone," Emily suddenly said.

James handed her the phone, and Emily said,"Hello."

Samuel, hearing her voice, quickly asked, "Emily, you and Harper are close. Has she contacted you?"

"Samuel, do you need something from her?" Emily's voice carried a hint of anger, her mind filled with the image of Harper crying that night.

Samuel was silent for a moment before slowly saying, "No."

"If it's nothing, why are you looking for her?" Emily felt sorry for Harper.

"Emily, what do you mean?" Samuel seemed to realize something and immediately asked.