Chapter 203: Bianca Lies
"Whatever you want!"
Daniel's face lit up with adoration.
It seemed like no matter what she decided, he’d back her up unconditionally.
This feeling of unwavering trust was pretty nice, she had to admit. She was even starting to fall for it.
Since it was still early, Daniel suggested, "Hey, there's nothing going on right now. How about we take a walk around the garden?"
"Sure! This place must be beautiful and full of history!" Emily agreed without hesitation.
She was curious about this grand estate that had weathered so many storms over the years and still remained so exquisitely preserved.
Daniel wanted to take her for a walk partly to enjoy some alone time with her. He also wanted Emily to get a feel for the place. After all, this house would be hers too someday.
As the two strolled harmoniously through the garden, Knox received a call from Bianca.
Bianca couldn't hold back any longer.
As soon as she got home yesterday, her family bombarded her with questions.
"Bianca, how did it go? Did you meet with Knox? Did he agree to help?" Cleo asked urgently.
The others were also staring at her, eagerly awaiting her answer.
Bianca enjoyed the look of admiration from others. She knew that if she admitted she had failed, she would face not comfort but blame, scolding, and disdain.
So she lied.
"Mom, Dad, don’t worry. You know who you're dealing with. The Smith family has already been informed, and Knox has a good impression of me. There's no way he wouldn't agree. He promised to start investigating and making contacts as soon as he got back. Once he confirms Hayden's situation, he'll get in touch with me!"
The Johnson family never imagined Bianca would lie about something so serious, so they believed her and breathed a sigh of relief.
However, Chase, who had been silent, looked at Bianca several times with suspicion. He knew Knox wasn't the type to agree to help so easily. He hoped Bianca wasn't being selfish and deceiving her family again. Otherwise, Hayden could be in real danger.
Eli, being more cautious, couldn't help but ask, "Even though Knox said to wait, did you tell him that the deadline given by the kidnappers is tomorrow?"
Bianca nodded, "Of course I did. How could I not remind him about something so important? Just wait and see!"
Aiden, hearing this good news, seemed to relax for the first time in days. He had work to do on a project, so he made an excuse and left for the office.
Eli, reminded of company matters by Aiden, remembered another important thing.
"Bianca, what about the design competition? Has the result come out yet?" He glanced at Chase.
Chase, who had entered the entertainment industry, should have been the shining star. But now, he was worn out from online harassment and breach of contract issues. He looked exhausted, with dark circles under his eyes, as if a monster had drained his energy and spirit.
At the mention of the competition, Chase finally reacted, staring intently at Bianca, waiting for her answer.
"It's coming soon. I've been busy with Hayden's situation, but the selection results should be out. I'm confident I'll make it to the initial round. When the time comes, you all should come along. I'll bring Chase, and you can invite some reporters for live coverage to get some good publicity."
Bianca replied confidently.
Though she sounded sure of herself, she was eager to check the selection results online. So she made an excuse and went back to her room.
The Johnson family didn't have time to ask about the details of her conversation with Knox or why he had agreed to help so quickly.
The next day, when the Johnson family saw Bianca still at home and not planning to meet Knox, Cleo started to worry.
"Bianca, why hasn't Knox contacted you yet? Could it be that he's so busy he forgot? Hayden could be in real danger!"
"Mom, it's probably because he's negotiating with the kidnappers. It takes time, especially since it's international."
Bianca was also uncertain, but she didn't show it. Her words were meant to reassure Cleo and herself.
As the deadline approached, Cleo became increasingly anxious, and Bianca's reassurances weren't very effective.
"Bianca, we're the ones asking for help. Shouldn't we be proactive and call him? Why don't you call Knox and ask about the situation?" Cleo urged.
Bianca, feeling pressured, said, "Alright, I'll call him now. Wait for me."
Not wanting Knox to say anything unpleasant in front of the Johnson family, Bianca made an excuse about Knox disliking any intrusion into his privacy and went to her room to call him.
Knox, in a bad mood, answered Bianca's call.
He saw the caller ID and smirked coldly, answering without speaking.
Bianca, speaking cautiously, said, "Mr. Green, how is the matter you promised going? When will the contract be signed, and can we solve Hayden's issue immediately? Today is the kidnappers' deadline, and I'm really worried. Those people are ruthless, and any delay could put Hayden in more danger."
Knox, upset about Emily and Daniel being together, responded icily, "Are you telling me how to do my job?"
"No, absolutely not. It's a misunderstanding. I'm just worried about Hayden. Today is the last day, and I agreed to your contract terms immediately. Please help me for the sake of our sibling bond!"
Knox, looking for an excuse to see Emily again, felt pleased to see Bianca so submissive. He gave her an address.
"Come to this address now."
He mentioned the name of a hotel.
Knox thought Bianca was unworthy of visiting his villa, fearing she would dirty the place. But he needed privacy, so he chose a hotel suite.
However, Bianca, being self-centered, misunderstood Knox's intentions. She thought he was playing hard to get and actually liked her, pretending to be aloof.
She assured him, "Mr. Green, I'll be there right away. Please wait for me!"
She hung up and dressed up, wearing a sexy outfit underneath a form-fitting dress, and hurried out.
Seeing Bianca leave, Cleo stopped her and urgently asked, "Bianca, where are you going? Is Mr. Green meeting you? Is it about Hayden?"
"Yes, Mom. So don't block my way and waste my time. If Mr. Green gets upset and refuses to help, it would be bad."
Cleo didn't dare say anything and immediately stepped aside, letting Bianca leave.
Bianca quickly arrived at the hotel suite. At the door, she adjusted her clothes, deliberately unbuttoning one to reveal a sexy curve, and then rang the doorbell.