Chapter 120: Pregnant Without Knowing
"Emily, come with me!" Eli barked, hanging up the phone and striding back into the office.
"Hold up, Mr. Eli Johnson. Just because I'm younger doesn't mean I can just sit here and watch this go down. What makes you think you can boss Ms. Emily Johnson around like she's at your beck and call? What if she doesn't want to go with you?" Byron's frustration boiled over, and he couldn't keep quiet.
Isaac waited for Byron to finish before stepping in. "Byron, show some respect. Even if Eli is in the wrong, it's not your place to say anything."
Eli's face darkened at Byron's words, but Isaac continued, "Eli, as blunt as Byron was, he has a point. Look at Emily—she's incredibly talented. You kicked her out of the family without a word, and now you expect her to follow you without question. It's just not right."
Isaac turned to Emily, his expression softening. "Emily, I genuinely admire you. I didn't hesitate to give you that ten percent stake in the Reyes Group. It was a decision made wholeheartedly and willingly."
Isaac's praise was sincere. Emily had brought significant returns, and Byron was thriving under her guidance. This was invaluable.
Sophia smiled and raised her eyebrows at Emily, her eyes full of admiration. Emily truly deserved it. Not only did she secure ten percent of the Reyes Group's shares, but she also earned such high praise.
Eli knew he was in for an embarrassing day. His face darkened, his voice low and serious, "You don't have to go, but it's about the engagement with James. Are you sure you don't want to resolve it?"
Emily thought she was done with James, but considering his persistent harassment, it was time to deal with it. And now that it had reached Kade, it was even better.
"Alright, let's go then!" Emily agreed.
Byron immediately felt reluctant and wanted to follow, but Emily assigned him the task of safely escorting Sophia back.
Emily and Eli left and found Bianca waiting by the car.
"Bianca, what are you doing here? Weren't you supposed to be chasing after Finn?" Eli frowned, displeased.
"Dad, Finn didn't want me to follow him. He said he needed some time alone, but don't worry, he promised he wouldn't do anything foolish. Finn has never lied to me, and I trust him," Bianca explained.
Eli knew Finn was the most doting of his sons towards Bianca, so he didn't insist. He nodded. "Go home and rest."
Eli was about to open the car door when Bianca quickly got in first, waving playfully for him to join her. "Dad, I want to come along, okay?"
Eli frowned. "I'm going with Emily to discuss breaking off the engagement with the Smith family. Don't make trouble."
He thought lowering his voice would keep Emily from hearing, but Emily's heart leaped at the mention of breaking off the engagement. Since Kade was interested, it was perfect. James would finally realize she truly had nothing to do with him anymore.
Bianca whispered in Eli's ear, "Dad, if we're breaking off the engagement, that means ending ties with the Smith family. Why not bring me along? If I make a good impression, maybe you can propose me as the new engagement candidate. Do you think Uncle Smith would agree?"
Eli's earlier displeasure was due to the worry of losing the connection with the Smith family. Bianca's suggestion hit the mark.
"Alright, let's go together!" Eli agreed, patting her hand gently. Then he turned to Emily, still showing disdain. "What are you waiting for? Do I, as your father, have to personally invite you to get in the car?"
Emily didn't bother arguing. She simply got in the car and closed her eyes to rest.
They hadn't driven far when Bianca suddenly felt nauseous and started retching.
"Bianca, what's wrong?" Eli asked worriedly.
"It's nothing, Dad. Maybe it's the smell of some cheap perfume. I never felt this way in our own car, even when riding with you. It's been a while since I shared a car with Emily, maybe I'm just not used to it," Bianca said, indirectly insulting Emily.
Emily ignored the jab, focusing on the engagement instead. But Bianca was relentless.
"Emily, I'm sorry. I'm not saying you use cheap perfume, just worried you might have been tricked," Bianca continued, pretending to apologize.
Emily opened her eyes slightly, her gaze sharp, causing Bianca to shiver. Emily sneered inwardly. Such a coward, yet daring to provoke her. Observing closely, she noticed something - Bianca wasn't reacting to a smell; she was pregnant! Considering how quickly she and James got together, they already had a child, while James always professed his deep love for her. Emily felt sick. Disgusting! Dirty!
Emily couldn't help but retch.
To Bianca, this was a blatant challenge.
With red eyes, Bianca said, "Emily, you don't have to like me, but why mimic my reaction? I didn't mean to say your perfume is cheap. Mine are crafted by master perfumers; how could they make you feel sick too? If you want some, you don't need to act this way. I'll give you a few bottles!"
Bianca sounded so aggrieved.
Eli disapproved, looking at Emily. "Enough, can't you stop targeting Bianca? Focus on your work, will you?"
Emily smirked. Focus on work? The Johnson Group might not withstand it!
Emily's meaningful glance fell on Bianca's belly. "Looks like you're really unskilled, not even noticing changes in your own body. Instead of blaming others, take care of yourself!"
Bianca didn't understand Emily's words. She pondered. Could she really be sick?
Emily intentionally added, "By the way, I never use perfume." Meaning Bianca's talk of cheap perfume was nonsense.
Bianca's face flushed, feeling guilty under Eli's gaze. She stayed quiet.
The rest of the ride was peaceful.
They soon arrived at the Smith Villa. James was already waiting at the door. He looked exhausted, clearly having had a sleepless night. His face was dark and brooding.
Bianca ran to him like a bird freed from its cage, clinging to his arm. "James."
This time, James instinctively avoided her touch. His gaze was complex as he looked at Emily. "You still came!"
Emily was puzzled. Wasn't it the Smith family who called her here? Why did it seem like coming was a crime?