Chapter 159: Follower Turns Rival in Love?
"What the heck happened?"
Aiden might've been clueless at first and got tricked, but he wasn't dumb. He could tell something was up now. He looked at everyone sternly and asked.
Ronnie was still trying to figure out how to cover it up when someone impatiently spilled the beans.
"Ms. Johnson, I think that guy Terry is pretty talented, but Ronnie didn't agree and kicked him out."
One of the programmers had long been fed up with Ronnie's arrogance. Despite being mediocre in skills, Ronnie always acted high and mighty.
"What are you talking about? Are you in cahoots with Terry? I thought he was tough, but it turns out he bought you off!"
Ronnie's face turned red with anger, and he furiously pointed at the programmer, cursing him out.
But Aiden remained silent, which made Ronnie uneasy. He quickly addressed Aiden, "Ms. Johnson, it's a misunderstanding. Terry came in and didn't do any real work. He kept meddling in the project, so I said a few words to him, and he stormed off in a huff."
Ronnie shot a fierce glare at the others when Aiden couldn't see, warning them to keep their mouths shut.
Everyone knew Ronnie was here because of Bianca. They were aware of how much Aiden liked his sister Bianca. Privately, they speculated that Ronnie might become Bianca's husband. Someone with a bit of courage opened their mouth to speak but was quickly pulled back by others.
Aiden asked directly, "Is it true, what Ronnie said?"
Everyone lowered their heads and remained silent, seemingly agreeing with Ronnie's version. Aiden was already swamped with work at the Johnson Group, and Eli had asked him to focus on it. He didn't have the energy to delve into this matter further, so he let it go.
Before leaving, he offered some symbolic encouragement, "Keep up the good work, everyone. When we succeed, I'll throw a celebration party for all of you. Ronnie, I'll need you to put in extra effort here."
Ronnie, seeing that Aiden didn't pursue the matter further, immediately smiled and replied, "Ms. Johnson, don't worry. I'll give it my all."
Meanwhile, Terry had already arrived at Emily's place.
He took a bite of an apple, casually tossed it in the air, and caught it again, confidently saying, "I've checked their progress. If they don't follow my approach, they'll keep struggling at the current stage and probably waste all their funds!"
Emily, though she disliked Ronnie's character, couldn't believe that a student recognized by professional teachers could be that bad. Thinking about it, she voiced her thoughts.
Terry, hearing her question, became interested. "I initially thought Ronnie had some brains, but I later realized I was wrong. He has some talent but is overly self-centered and arrogant. He treats those people, who are technically his seniors, with no respect at all! And let me tell you, he probably sees himself as Bianca's future husband. People are too afraid to speak up, and I won't put up with that."
"Based on my guess, if Ronnie hits a dead end, they'll adopt your suggestions, but the credit won't go to you!"
Emily knew Ronnie's type well—selfish and arrogant.
Terry waved it off, unconcerned. "Let them use it. I proposed it, so I'm not afraid of them using it. It wasn't his idea, and even if they get past this hurdle with my hint, they'll still get stuck later on. But Ms. Johnson, Aiden isn't all that great. I've been gone this long, and he hasn't even noticed or called to check on me!"
Emily thought for a moment, "Maybe he's just really busy."
Aiden was being groomed as the heir to the Johnson Group. Due to Aiden's situation, the Johnson Group's stock prices had plummeted. Eli could maintain the status quo but couldn't advance. He didn't understand the digital world well, so he had to call Aiden back.
"Well, it's all about timing and fate," Terry commented.
Emily was taken aback.
In her previous life, it was fate, and in this life, it was the same. Without her help, Aiden was overwhelmed and had to handle things personally, neglecting the AI project—also fate.
"Emily!"
At that moment, Violette walked in with York.
York was holding a dress.
"Ms. Johnson, Mr. Smith asked me to bring this dress for you to wear to the Smith family event."
It was a cream-colored, waist-cinching short dress, ending just above the knees—simple yet elegant.
Emily was about to refuse.
York conveyed the message, "Mr. Smith said, since Ms. Johnson is helping, it's his responsibility to take care of these things. Please don't decline. If Ms. Johnson needs a professional makeup artist, just let us know, and we'll arrange it."
York didn't bring the makeup artist directly, considering Emily might not want to go through the hassle. Daniel hadn't mentioned this to York, but York explained it to avoid any misunderstanding.
Emily felt touched. How considerate and respectful Daniel was. Even though she had decided to seal her heart because of James, she couldn't help but be moved.
"Please thank Mr. Smith for me. If the Smith family doesn't have any special requirements, there's no need for a makeup artist. I'll get ready quickly."
Emily accepted the gesture.
York replied on Daniel's behalf, "Mr. Smith said there's no rush. He'll wait as long as Ms. Johnson needs."
York finished and was about to leave, but his gaze fell on the unfamiliar man beside Emily.
In his mind, Daniel was unmatched in looks, stature, power, and wealth compared to this man. But he couldn't ignore one thing—the man looked very young. He seemed to be Emily's age, and people often said that peers had more in common. This man had already "entered the house."
York decided to gather some information for Daniel.
"Ms. Johnson, who is this?"
Emily followed York's gaze to Terry.
Terry was still munching on his apple, wondering who Daniel was. He hadn't immediately connected Daniel, as he was more of a legend. Emily was impressive, but he didn't think she could be involved with someone like Daniel. So when York pointed at him, Terry waved and said, "I'm Ms. Johnson's assistant, Terry. Mr. Smith isn't interested in Ms. Johnson, is he?"
"Terry!"
Emily didn't want Terry to speak recklessly. Even though it might be true, only she and Daniel knew about it. If it spread and they weren't officially together, it wouldn't be good for Daniel's reputation, which was almost divine. As for her, her reputation was already tarnished. One more scandal wouldn't matter to her.
York didn't expect Terry to be so perceptive, despite his seemingly goofy demeanor. But an assistant? Good, he wasn't a suitor for Emily, so York felt relieved.
After greeting Emily, York left.
Daniel noticed York had taken a while to return. His expression seemed calm, but he asked, "You took quite a while. Did she have any requests?"