Chapter 180: Bianca Also Has This Day
"No way, I'm not on board with this!"
When Aiden brought the issue back to the Johnson family, Bianca was the first to object.
To her, these things were hers. How could they just hand them over to Emily?
Chase stayed quiet, but he felt a pang of disappointment in Bianca.
The recent online harassment had left him too scared to go online, and he was feeling utterly defeated.
However, Bianca seemed oblivious to his plight and hadn't even offered him any comfort, let alone apologized. Now that Hayden was in trouble, Chase had a gut feeling that Hayden's fate would only be worse than his own.
Eli also didn't want to give Emily the twenty percent shares.
But, "Got a better idea?"
Eli's gaze was steady as he looked at Bianca.
Bianca, feeling guilty, avoided Eli's eyes and lowered her head. "Dad, what can I do? I oppose it because I'm afraid Emily isn't trustworthy. If she delays saving Hayden, it might backfire!"
Chase had been quiet all along.
Finally, he couldn't hold back and spoke up, "Listening to Emily might be our only shot. If we don't give her the twenty percent shares and you don't have any other solution, it will truly delay saving Hayden."
Chase's sudden interjection, coupled with his cold and distant demeanor, left Bianca too shocked to argue.
Eli's expression darkened as he listened to Chase and his attitude towards Bianca cooled. "Chase has a point."
Bianca finally reacted.
Her eyes reddened instantly, but she bit her lip, forcing herself not to cry. "Chase, I know you're upset with me because of the song incident, but didn't I say I'd talk about it after I won the design competition? As for Hayden, I'm trying to find a way too. If needed, I can ask James for help."
"Then go find James right now. Time's ticking. If James is willing to help, we won't need Emily. If not, we can still turn to her."
Aiden chimed in smoothly.
Bianca's feigned look of distress nearly faltered. "Aiden, I'll try, but I can only promise to do my best. If I can't manage it, don't blame me."
"Don't worry, we won't. We believe you can do it."
Aiden nodded.
Eli agreed, "You are carrying James' child, after all. Even if he said he wouldn't marry you, men can be persuaded. If you handle it well, he might change his mind. I trust you can make James care for you and agree to help save Hayden."
Chase cast a half-smile at Emily.
Watching her reluctantly agree, he couldn't help but think back. He once believed she was kind-hearted, willing to risk her safety for the family.
Now, it seemed this was something Emily might have done in the past.
Bianca left the Johnson family's villa under their hopeful gazes and headed to the Smith Villa.
On the way, she tried calling James, but strangely, she couldn't get through.
She sent him messages and tried video calls, but there was no response.
Bianca felt a growing sense of unease.
Unable to reach James, she decided to contact some of his close friends.
"Bianca, you don't know? James was sent to Aquilonia by the Smith family to expand the market. He won't be back for a year or more."
One of James' friends informed her.
In recent years, James had always defended Bianca and hurt Emily. His friends assumed James liked Bianca.
However, not long ago, James publicly stated online that he and Bianca were just friends.
This confused them.
As they spoke, their tone was filled with doubt.
Bianca's expression turned sour.
She instinctively touched her belly. James went abroad?
Was he avoiding her?
This couldn't be!
She was carrying his child. If he wasn't around, who would she turn to when the baby was born?
No matter what, she had to ensure this child was born and recognized by the family.
Without James, she had no choice but to turn to the Smith family.
Indeed, compared to James' indifference, the Smith family would likely value the child she was carrying more.
With this thought, Bianca's eyes grew determined.
Kade was in a foul mood because of James' departure.
Suddenly, the butler informed him that Bianca wanted to see him.
Kade assumed Bianca was looking for James and didn't plan to meet her. "Tell her James is abroad and can't be reached!"
The butler hesitated before replying, "Ms. Johnson seems to know Mr. Smith is abroad. She said she wants to see you to discuss the child."
Kade frowned, then spoke in a low voice, "Let her in."
Bianca stood at the grand villa's entrance, feeling resentful for not being let in immediately.
She naturally felt aggrieved.
Previously, whenever she wanted to visit the Smith Villa, James would personally escort her in. Things had never been like this.
Though the butler had kindly relayed her message, she harbored resentment, thinking that once she married into the Smith family and gained power, she wouldn't spare those who looked down on her and kept her outside.
Despite her delicate and frail appearance, Bianca had a fierce determination to achieve her goals. No matter how dissatisfied she felt, she didn't show any displeasure on her face.
When the butler came out again to escort her inside, she managed a smile. "Thank you, butler."
The butler was impressed by her politeness.
"Ms. Johnson, you're welcome. It's my job."
Bianca smiled and followed the butler inside.
Kade was seated on the living room sofa, not even glancing up when Bianca entered.
Bianca realized Kade didn't favor her.
She couldn't understand how things had changed. Previously, Kade had been very pleased with her, even preferring her as a daughter-in-law over Emily.
Could it be due to James' attitude towards her?
"Mr. Smith, I'm sorry to bother you!"
Bianca presented the prepared gift to Kade, feeling a bit pained but knowing sacrifices were necessary for gains.
"I happened upon this antique. I remember you like these things. I'm not very knowledgeable, but I hope you like it."
Kade glanced at the item, a flash of joy in his eyes. He hadn't expected Bianca to acquire the antique he had long desired.
However, he remained composed. "You were thoughtful."
He then signaled the butler to take the gift.
Bianca couldn't read any joy on his face, but since he accepted the gift, she couldn't gauge Kade's true feelings and felt a bit anxious.
"I heard you bypassed James to come directly to me? What's the matter?"
Since Kade accepted the gift, he gave Bianca the chance to speak.