Chapter 223 There Are Quite a Few Tails in the Dark
"Your James is really living it up overseas. Being good-looking sure has its perks—he's always got gorgeous women around him, and they don't mind spending money on him either!" The detective's smile was full of insinuation.
Bianca knew James well enough to understand that someone who could be easily swayed by sweet talk was likely to fall for other women, too. She hadn't expected him to move on so quickly, though. It made her question her own allure, which was really intolerable for her.
In her extreme anger, she unexpectedly calmed herself down. It was just the calm before the storm.
"Alright, I got it. If you get any more information like this, let me know—his exact location, what he is doing. As long as the information is valuable, I'll make sure you're well compensated," Bianca said coldly.
The detective chuckled lightly, almost mockingly. "As long as the price is right, here's to a pleasant partnership!"
Bianca hung up and soon received James's address. James had been sent abroad by Daniel and wouldn't be back anytime soon. She planned to wait until she gained fame from the competition, then she'd have the leverage to confront James. She believed that once James saw how successful she had become, he would regret leaving her.
Pushing aside her emotions, Bianca began to review the profiles of influential people in her circle. She wanted to win James back but also needed a backup plan, so she started looking for another valuable man.
As she was engrossed in her research, her phone buzzed with a text message. Bianca initially thought it was just an ad. But then she saw Emily's name and quickly opened it. It was from an unknown number: [Emily is back!]
Bianca frowned. Who could have sent this? She tried calling the number, but it was already disconnected.
'Whoever sent this is really sneaky. Is it true or not?' Bianca wondered. Aiden had assured her that he had people watching and that she'd be notified the moment Emily returned.
Bianca hesitated about whether to ask Aiden for an update. However, the sender wasn't lying. Emily and Daniel had indeed returned. Emily needed to access her lab in the villa, despite knowing many people were secretly watching, ready to report her return.
Fortunately, York and Leopard were highly vigilant. They noticed the surveillance and were ready to act.
"Don't alert anyone else. Capture them and wait for me to handle it," Emily instructed, focused on Daniel's condition. He was pale but still conscious, thanks to his strong willpower.
Emily admired his strength and reminded him, "To avoid suspicion, you need to hold on for a few more minutes. Walk with me to the villa."
Even though it was tough for Daniel to stand, let alone walk, he agreed without hesitation. He almost collapsed but was caught by Emily just in time. With immense effort, he managed to get out of the car, looking almost normal except for his pale face.
Emily supported him, making it look like they were close, helping him walk naturally into the villa. Strangely, the villa was empty. Atticus and Sofia's absence wasn't unusual, but Violette and Liam not being there gave Emily a bad feeling. Despite this, she had to focus on the immediate issue.
Once inside, Daniel's strength gave out, and he leaned heavily on Emily. She struggled to help him onto the couch. Though his mind was foggy, his training kept him alert.
"Hang in there for a few more minutes. I'll get your medicine," Emily said urgently. She used an eye scan to unlock the lab door and, forcing herself to stay calm, quickly prepared the medicine. Her movements were swift and precise, like she had practiced countless times.
"Finally done!" Emily sighed in relief and rushed back upstairs. "Daniel, wake up! The medicine is ready. Once you take it, it will counteract the poison," she called out anxiously.
Daniel, barely conscious, managed to open his eyes at Emily's urgent voice. "I'm... okay..." he mumbled, trying to reassure her.
Even in such a dire state, he was still trying to comfort her. Emily, though usually composed, was deeply moved. But she had no time for emotions now.
"Good, now take this," she said, placing the pill at his lips. Her fingers brushed his lips, which were cold and soft. The touch seemed to revive him slightly, and he obediently opened his mouth. Emily fed him the pill, which dissolved instantly.
The medicine worked quickly. Daniel's color improved visibly. Emily, seeing the effect, finally relaxed. York and Leopard entered, escorting two captured men, but their expressions were grim.
"Ms. Johnson, we caught these two, but one got away. Sorry for the oversight," York apologized. Leopard remained silent but looked ashamed.
Emily wasn't upset. "If someone escaped from you, they must be skilled. These two might still provide useful information."
Leopard explained, "These two don't seem to be with the one who escaped."
Emily frowned. The one who got away must have an even more powerful backer. But she set that aside for now.
"Lock them in that room," she instructed York, pointing to a small room. Then she turned to Leopard, "Ask Zander where they are now."
To avoid drawing attention, they had split up after landing, each taking a different route back.