Chapter 203 Bianca Lies
"Your call," Daniel said with a loving smile.
It was clear he'd back any decision she made, no questions asked.
Emily thought this feeling of unconditional trust was pretty amazing, and she was starting to really appreciate it.
But it was still early, and Daniel suggested, "Since we have some free time, how about a walk around the garden?"
"Sure! This place must be beautiful and full of history!" Emily agreed, eager to explore the well-preserved estate of such a storied family.
Daniel wanted to take her for a walk, partly to enjoy their time alone together and partly to give Emily a glimpse of what could be her future home.
As the two strolled harmoniously through the garden, Knox got a phone call from Bianca.
Bianca couldn't hold back any longer.
Yesterday, when she returned home, the Johnson family members immediately crowded around her.
"Bianca, how did it go? Did you see Knox? Did he agree to help?" Cleo asked urgently.
The others watched her intently, waiting for her answer.
Bianca enjoyed the attention and knew that if she admitted failure, she would face blame, criticism, and disdain instead of comfort. So, she lied.
"Mom, Dad, don't worry. You know how capable I am. The Smith family has already spoken to Knox, and he has a good impression of me. How could he refuse? He promised to start investigating right away and will contact me once he confirms Hayden's situation."
The Johnson family members never considered that Bianca might lie about something so serious, so they believed her and relaxed.
However, Chase, who had been silent, looked at Bianca suspiciously. Knox wasn't the type to agree to help so easily. He hoped Bianca wouldn't be selfish and deceive her family again, or Hayden could be in danger.
Eli, being cautious, asked, "Did you tell him that the deadline given by the kidnappers is tomorrow?"
Bianca nodded. "Of course, I did. I wouldn't forget something so important. Just wait and see."
Aiden, relieved by the news, decided to return to work, claiming he had projects to attend to.
Eli, reminded of another matter by Aiden's mention of work, asked, "Bianca, has the result of the design competition come out yet?" He glanced at Chase, who looked exhausted and worn out from the online harassment and breach of contract issues.
Chase finally reacted, staring intently at Bianca, waiting for her answer.
"It's almost done. I've been busy with Hayden's situation, but I'm sure I've made it through the preliminary round. When the time comes, you all should attend, and I'll bring Chase along. We can invite some reporters to cover the event live and make a big splash," Bianca said confidently.
Bianca sounded confident but was itching to check the competition results online. So, she found an excuse to head back to her room.
The Johnson family didn't have time to ask her for more details about her conversation with Knox or why he agreed to help so easily.
The next day, seeing Bianca still at home and not planning to meet Knox, Cleo started to worry.
"Bianca, why hasn't Knox contacted you yet? Could he have forgotten? Hayden might be in danger!" Cleo urged.
"Mom, he wouldn't forget. He might be negotiating with the kidnappers. After all, it's Zephyria; it takes time," Bianca said, trying to reassure Cleo and herself.
As the deadline approached, Cleo became increasingly anxious, and Bianca's reassurances weren't helping.
"Bianca, we're asking him for help. We should be proactive and call Knox to check on the progress," Cleo insisted.
Feeling the pressure, Bianca said, "Fine, I'll call him now. Wait for me."
Not wanting Knox to say anything unpleasant in front of her family, Bianca made up an excuse about Knox's dislike for privacy invasions and went to her room to call him.
Knox, in a bad mood, answered Bianca's call. He saw the caller ID and smirked coldly before picking up.
Bianca spoke cautiously, "Mr. Green, how is the matter you agreed to help with? When can we sign the contract and resolve Hayden's situation? Today is the last day the kidnappers gave us, and I'm really worried. Those people are ruthless, and any delay could mean more danger for Hayden."
Knox, upset about Emily and Daniel, replied coldly, "Are you telling me how to do my job?"
"No, no, that's not what I meant. I'm just worried about Hayden. Today is the last day, and I agreed to your conditions immediately. Please, for the sake of our sibling bond, help me," Bianca pleaded.
Knox, looking for an excuse to see Emily again and pleased with Bianca's submission, gave her an address.
"Come to this address now," he said, naming a hotel.
He thought Bianca was beneath him and didn't want her at his villa, but he needed privacy, so he chose a hotel suite.
Bianca, self-absorbed, misunderstood Knox's intentions, thinking he was playing hard to get and was interested in her.
"Mr. Green, I'll be right there. Please wait for me!" Bianca promised.
She hung up, dressed up in a sexy outfit, and hurried out.
Seeing Bianca leave, Cleo stopped her and asked urgently, "Bianca, where are you going? Is Mr. Green meeting you to discuss Hayden?"
"Yes, Mom. So stay out of my way. If Mr. Green gets upset and refuses to help, it'll be bad," Bianca said.
Hearing that, Cleo quickly stepped aside, letting Bianca leave.
Bianca arrived at the hotel suite, adjusted her outfit to show off her curves, and rang the doorbell.