Chapter 221 As Expected, They Won't Easily Give Up Their Shares
"I'm sorry. I had to act fast. I don't want James to spot you in the car. If he did, he'd definitely make trouble and might even blow your cover!"
It was still unclear whether James was a friend or a foe.
Daniel had already been in danger because of her once, and Emily didn't want him to get into more trouble because of her.
Emily quickly pulled her hand back, as if she had touched a hot stove.
Just a moment ago, she had placed her hands in front of Daniel's face, and he seemed to misunderstand, pressing his face into her palms.
To keep James from seeing his face, Emily hadn't immediately withdrawn her hands.
Now, her palms felt like they were burning.
Daniel leaned back weakly in his seat. "You were looking out for me. How could I blame you?"
Emily could hear the discomfort in his voice and quickly took his wrist to check his pulse.
As time passed, her expression grew more serious, and her worry deepened.
"York, step on it. And are you sure the plane is ready and waiting at the airport?"
To get back home as soon as possible, they had arranged a flight in advance.
York had volunteered to handle all the arrangements.
"They're waiting and ready to take off anytime."
"Good, get us to the airport as fast as you can!"
Emily prepared to give Daniel another acupuncture treatment to stabilize his condition, leaving York to focus on driving.
Fortunately, everything went smoothly.
Daniel's condition improved somewhat with the acupuncture.
Once they reached the airport, they quickly boarded the private jet to head home.
Meanwhile, the Johnson family was anxiously waiting.
Cleo was particularly frantic. "Emily is so greedy. Will she really save Hayden? How could you sign the contract without telling me? What if she doesn't keep her word and doesn't save Hayden? The kidnappers said three days, and that time is up. They haven't even called to demand anything. What if they've already... Oh, my Hayden..."
Cleo seemed to forget that she had been the one insisting they couldn't ignore Emily and had known about the stock transfer.
Now, she was blaming everyone else.
Bianca quickly tried to comfort her. "Mom, don't worry. Even though the contract is signed, Emily won't get the shares if Hayden isn't safely returned."
Cleo paused her crying and looked at Bianca with tearful eyes. "Really? But does she really have the ability to save him? You asked for help, and no one could do it. How can she?"
Bianca's expression faltered for a moment.
What did Cleo want her to say, that Emily might not actually have the ability to save Hayden? If she said that, Cleo would never stop crying.
But if she said Emily would definitely save him, it would be admitting her own failure.
"Alright, I know you're anxious to save Hayden, but crying won't help. We're all worried. The fact that the kidnappers haven't called might be a good sign. It could mean Emily used Mr. Smith's connections to negotiate. I believe Hayden will be fine. We just have to wait."
"Mom, you haven't slept in days. You need to get some rest. If Hayden comes back and you're wiped out, it's not gonna help anyone. Bianca is right. I've got someone watching Emily. As soon as there's news, I'll let you know right away."
Aiden gently coaxed Cleo.
Hayden might be her favorite, but Aiden was the one she relied on the most, so she listened to him and went upstairs to rest.
Even after Cleo left, the tension downstairs remained thick.
Bianca couldn't help but ask, "Dad, if Emily really brings Hayden back, do we have to give her the shares? The Johnson Group could end up in someone else's hands. Emily doesn't like us. What if other shareholders convince her to sell the shares? Then..."
She sounded genuinely worried about the family.
Eli's face hardened, and he scoffed. "She wants the shares? No way! The contract says Hayden has to be returned safely. If he's hurt, that's not safe. Plus, she wants family bonds. If needed, your mother can sweet-talk her, and she might not take the 20% share after all."
He was still dreaming.
In the past, Bianca might have agreed with Eli, but not this time.
However, she kept her thoughts to herself. Eli wouldn't accept that Emily was beyond his control. He was often too arrogant.
Aiden felt a sense of unease but couldn't pinpoint why.
Something flashed through his mind, but it was too quick to grasp.
Bianca sensed the oppressive atmosphere and decided to change the subject.
"Dad, Aiden, my design made it to the finals. Soon, I'll restore my reputation. I'll also promote the Johnson Group, and the company will thrive!"
This was one of the few pieces of good news recently.
Aiden and Eli were visibly pleased.
"That's great, Bianca. This is a crucial opportunity. Make sure you do well and seize it!"
Eli rarely looked so pleased with Bianca.
Aiden patted her shoulder. "Bianca, I believe in you. By the way, do you know any top-notch computer programmers?"
Bianca was happy with the praise but puzzled by Aiden's question.
Hadn't he already introduced Ronnie? Why was he asking again?
She smiled awkwardly. "Aiden, isn't Ronnie good enough? Or is he still down because of what Emily did to him? Maybe he just needs more time, or I can talk to him and encourage him."
Aiden didn't know how to respond.
"Maybe, but our project is on a tight schedule. I heard there's a new company, Horizon Innovations Group, working in the same field. We need to beat them to market. If you have time, try to cheer Ronnie up. His past won't matter once he makes a breakthrough."
Aiden's tone was urgent.
"Alright, Aiden. I'll find time to encourage Ronnie."
Chase, who had been isolating himself in his room, had somehow made his way downstairs.
His sudden appearance, combined with his haggard look and dark circles, made him look like a ghost.
"Chase, why are you laughing? And can you make some noise when you show up? You almost scared Aiden and me!"
Bianca was annoyed with Chase, especially since he often made sarcastic remarks.
Aiden frowned, thinking Bianca's words were a bit harsh.
He could understand why Chase had changed so much.