Chapter 10 Someone Brought Money to the Door
"Sophia, you're cool with this, right?" Emily asked, making sure to check with her first.
Sophia had just seen that painting and, honestly, she knew she couldn't compete. But for some reason, Emily now had this magnetic charm that made her trust her. If Emily suggested a competition, she should believe in her.
"Absolutely! I've got real talent and I’m not scared of a challenge!" Sophia replied confidently, standing tall.
After all, hadn't John already given her work the thumbs up?
Emily smirked and turned her gaze to Bianca with a hint of mockery. "You always brag about being so talented. Since Sophia's game, what about you? Are you scared? Or was that painting John was holding not actually yours?"
Bianca nearly ground her teeth in frustration. Emily knew exactly what was going on with that painting.
Emily had changed. She used to be so meek; a few scoldings from their parents and she'd immediately back down. Now, she didn’t even listen to James.
"Emily, what nonsense are you spouting in front of John? Of course, that painting is Bianca's. We all saw her spend entire days in the studio working on it," Eli snapped sharply.
James, however, was fixated on the painting, his expression uncertain.
Bianca was extremely anxious. Even if the family found out the truth, she believed she could smooth things over with them. But James was different. He had a long history with Emily, and she feared he might go soft on her.
Bianca's eyes welled up with tears as she looked at James. "James, I really did paint it. You don't doubt me, do you?"
James met Bianca's gaze. Her beautiful face, those clear, watery eyes. Only someone with such pure eyes could create such a healing and beautiful painting.
He nodded firmly. "Of course, I believe you."
Emily's heart tightened at James's words. He didn't believe her. He turned to Bianca with unconditional trust. He was no longer the James who used to defend her.
"Are we doing this or not? If not, just call it a forfeit and stop wasting time," John, known for his temper, said impatiently.
Bianca clenched her fists, showing no fear. "Of course, I will..."
Suddenly, she turned pale, as if she couldn't breathe, and collapsed to the ground.
"Bianca!"
The Johnson family and James shouted in alarm.
James quickly caught the falling Bianca, full of worry.
No one seemed to expect this, and they were all a bit stunned. Except for Emily.
The painting wasn't Bianca's work. Emily had been wondering how Bianca would avoid the competition. As expected, she resorted to her old tricks. And unfortunately, it worked on the Johnson family and James.
"What's going on? Fainting at the mention of a competition? If she's really that weak, Mr. Williams, I think she's not fit to be your student. She can't handle the pressure, right?" Sophia said loudly, looking at Bianca.
"Ms. Brown, watch your words. Even if you lack sympathy, you shouldn't kick someone when they're down," Eli said coldly, glaring at Sophia.
Sophia knew better than to offend the Johnson family too much, so she fell silent.
"James, quick, get Bianca to the car. She might be having an attack," Eli urged.
James, with a stern face, carried the frail Bianca. He shot a look of disdain at Emily. "Are you happy now? If something happens to her, can you live with that? Bianca is so kind, why do you have to be so hostile towards her? You weren't like this before."
He wasn't like this before either, Emily thought. But she didn't say it out loud, knowing it wouldn't matter.
Responsibility?
She suddenly stepped in front of James, blocking his path.
"Move!" James didn't expect Emily to block his way. Did she really not care about Bianca's safety? How had she become so malicious?
James's face darkened with anger. "If you don't move, don't blame me for being rude. The engagement will be off for good."
He still thought breaking off the engagement was just a threat.
Emily sneered, pulling out several thin, sharp needles.
"What are you doing?" Eli demanded.
"Taking responsibility," Emily said with a cold smile. "I know some medicine. I can treat Bianca's condition."
James dodged Emily's needles, holding Bianca protectively.
Eli was furious. If it weren't for the circumstances, he might have hit Emily. "Are you trying to kill Bianca? You think your amateur skills can treat her when experts can't? You're despicable. Get out of the way!"
Emily glanced coolly at Eli, then at James. "Are you sure you won't let me treat her? Don't say I didn't offer."
James's expression grew more complex. "We don't need your help," he said coldly. "I'll send the ring back to you."
Without waiting for Emily's response, he quickly left with Bianca, leaving only a cold, unfeeling back.
Eli glared at Emily. "You're such a wicked daughter. I wish I had never had you. You don't deserve to be part of the Johnson family."
"What a jerk," Sophia muttered.
She had been pampered all her life and couldn't believe the treatment Emily received from the Johnson family. She felt a surge of sympathy for Emily.
After scolding Eli, she turned to Emily. "Are you sure you're the Johnson family's daughter?"
She quickly fell silent. Compared to Bianca, Emily looked more like Cleo, even more striking.
Emily didn't dwell on Sophia's question. She turned to John. "John, thanks for today. Is your medicine running low? I'll bring you another bottle soon."
The Johnson family thought she had just called an ambulance or helped John a bit. They didn't know she had saved his life with her acupuncture skills.
"Even if you don't want to be my student, I already consider you one. No need to thank me. And..."
John hesitated, then continued. "That James isn't worth it. I'll introduce you to some good guys. And James won't learn anything more from me."
"Okay," Emily agreed, knowing John meant well. She didn't take the matchmaking seriously, but she agreed with the last part.
John saw Emily's agreement as a sign she was over James. After Sophia offered to drive Emily home, he called James to inform him of the decision.