Chapter 189 Can You Continue to Cooperate in Acting
"Acting's on the table, but I need to know your exact plan. What about the mole? Any progress last time?"
Mason took a deep breath, calming himself.
He was a man who had once held a high position, decisive and sharp.
Once he got a handle on the situation, he quickly adjusted his mindset.
Seeing the familiar Mason return, Daniel felt a lot more at ease.
He could relax, thanks in no small part to Emily.
He trusted she could help Mason.
"We've got a lead, thanks to Emily. The poison on me has a unique smell. Emily, with her years of experience with herbs, recognized it right away. She picked up on something suspicious, so we're following that lead."
Daniel explained to Mason, deep in thought.
He hadn't expected that the mastermind would target Mason, too, until today.
They needed to move quickly.
Someone familiar with the Smith family had infiltrated and discreetly poisoned both him and Mason.
Mason realized the Smith family might be in serious danger. Family interests had to come first.
Without hesitation, Mason said, "Alright, what do I need to do next?"
Seeing Mason so cooperative, Daniel's expression softened.
"I'll talk to Emily about the specific treatment and then let you know what to do. Now, who in the Smith family knows about your illness?"
Daniel asked another question.
Mason didn't respond immediately.
Partly due to exhaustion, partly because he felt guilty.
He had kept his illness a secret from everyone.
Daniel had said enough, so he called Zach in.
Zach listened to Daniel's question and replied, "Besides the two bodyguards, it's just me, Mr. Mason Smith, and you, Mr. Daniel Smith."
Of course, Floyd and the doctors didn't count.
No wonder no one from the Smith family had come.
"Alright, I get it. Call the others and inform them of Grandpa's condition. Watch their reactions and report back to me, Zach. Thanks."
It wasn't a tough task, so Zach immediately said, "Mr. Smith, don't worry, I'll follow your instructions and keep an eye on everyone."
Daniel left the hospital and headed straight for the villa.
He went directly to Emily's villa.
Since it was already night, Violette and the others had gone back to rest early.
Emily had a lot on her plate, which is why she usually stayed up later.
Hearing the doorbell, she was momentarily surprised, then checked the monitor and saw Daniel at the door.
She hurried downstairs to open the door.
"Are you here to see Cloudy and Biscuit? Cloudy's lucky to have an owner like you!"
Since Daniel had left in a hurry earlier and hadn't seen Cloudy, Emily thought he was here to make up for that.
Daniel smiled and followed Emily to see Cloudy and Biscuit.
The two dogs, likely fond of handsome guys, greeted Daniel with unprecedented enthusiasm.
Their tails wagged so vigorously they seemed like propellers.
Emily was quite surprised; she hadn't expected someone as cool and aloof as Daniel to be so liked by Cloudy and Biscuit.
She recalled a saying that animals can sense people's goodness, and those liked by animals are usually good-hearted.
"Emily, can we talk about something? Will I be disturbing your rest?"
After playing with Cloudy and Biscuit for a while, Emily suggested Daniel take a break, considering his health.
He seized the moment to speak.
Emily remembered their earlier conversation about Mason. Could it be that Daniel had already found something?
"Of course, I'm happy to help," Emily smiled.
She didn't like owing favors, and it seemed she owed the most to Daniel in this lifetime. If she could help him, it would be repaying a favor, and she wouldn't refuse.
Daniel followed Emily inside and got straight to the point about Mason's poisoning.
"First, I apologize on behalf of my grandfather. Because of me, he had a bias against you and even spoke rudely."
"I was prepared for this when I agreed to act with you, so don't feel burdened by it," Emily said, unfazed.
Her reputation had been bad before, so she didn't blame people who didn't know her for having biases.
Moreover, she didn't really think Mason was a bad person.
Seeing she genuinely didn't mind, Daniel wasn't sure whether to be glad for her generosity or lament that pursuing her would be a long road ahead.
She didn't care about him, so she wouldn't care about his family's attitude either.
"Is the poison in my grandfather and me the same?" Daniel asked immediately.
Emily nodded and explained their poisoning.
"So the person who poisoned us is likely the same, or at least an accomplice. They are very skilled."
Otherwise, they wouldn't have been able to poison them even with bodyguards around.
"I've already convinced my grandfather. Next, I'll need you to treat another person. As for the price, name it. Don't lower it just because we're regular customers. My grandfather's health is worth it!" Daniel looked at Emily warmly and made a suggestion.
Emily couldn't help but laugh, "Does Mr. Smith know you're doing this? Who raises the price?"
With Daniel stepping in, she certainly didn't refuse.
After reaching an agreement on detoxification, Daniel looked deeply at her and spoke again, "Emily, since it's the same person poisoning us, and they might strike again, I'll need you to continue acting as my girlfriend. Move into the Smith Villa under the guise of caring for my grandfather. This way, we can prevent further poisoning and possibly catch the mole in the villa."
Emily feared she might truly get involved and fall into a deep abyss.
She wanted to refuse; their entanglement was becoming too much.
But Daniel's eyes, full of her, made her unable to voice her refusal.
Moreover...
Daniel assured her, "Don't worry, you'll be paid for this too. Name your price!"
"I can agree, but what about the time?"
She couldn't stay there indefinitely. She needed to go to school occasionally, manage the company, and conduct final research in the villa's lab.
"You can leave anytime. Of course, if we can catch the mastermind quickly, that would be best."
Daniel's words meant the choice was hers.
To reassure her, he said, "To prevent you from worrying about me reneging, I'll draft a contract. I'll have it sent over for you to review, and if you're satisfied, we'll proceed."
He laid it out clearly, so refusing would seem unkind.
"Alright, I agree."
Emily's words made Daniel's eyes light up, only to be quickly hidden in their depths.
But his departing figure seemed much lighter.
As he returned, York immediately reported, "Mr. Smith, you were right. James has started taking action after going abroad."