Chapter 56 This is Another Price
"Who sent these flowers? And has Mr. Smith had anything with almonds lately?"
When it came to Daniel's safety, everything else had to wait.
He called the butler over, his voice serious.
"These were sent by Yara, Ian Smith's daughter-in-law, not too long ago."
Emily's eyes widened at the mention of Ian.
Ian was James's grandfather, right?
James's mom, Yara, had never liked her as a daughter-in-law. After James insisted on getting engaged to her despite all the objections, Yara's dislike only grew stronger.
In her previous life, Emily's breakup with James wasn't just because of his betrayal; Yara had also played a big role in pushing things that way.
"Just a Smith family relative, huh? Do they think they can mess with Daniel to take over the Smith family? Bring her in for questioning!"
Charles's tone was icy, his anger obvious.
Emily frowned.
After a moment's hesitation, she spoke up, "Wait."
"What? Are you going to defend her, or do you know her?" Charles's cold gaze bore into Emily.
The aura of someone raised in a powerful family was unmistakable, and it could be intimidating to anyone else.
But Emily remained unfazed. She looked directly at Daniel and said, "Since I discovered the poison, I'll say this: Yara might not be smart enough to use such a discreet poison. Even if we investigate, we shouldn't alert them."
Charles realized he had misunderstood.
Daniel nodded and instructed York, "Investigate quietly."
Then, he turned to Charles and ordered sternly, "Apologize to the doctor."
Charles, though embarrassed, didn't hesitate. He apologized openly, "I'm sorry, I misunderstood you."
However, the thought of the undetectable poison lingered.
Even the family doctor hadn't noticed it.
Charles swallowed his pride and asked, "Doctor, we haven't found the mastermind behind this. The poison is too subtle to guard against. Could you stay for a while to ensure Daniel doesn't get poisoned again? His health can't take it. Money is no issue!"
Emily frowned.
But she didn't agree immediately.
Wearing a mask and staying together increased the risk of exposure.
Charles thought she was still upset about his earlier rudeness. He gritted his teeth and offered, "If you agree, I'll do anything you ask, as long as it's not immoral or illegal."
At least he had principles.
Emily couldn't help but admire Charles a bit more.
Anyone willing to do so much for a friend was truly enviable.
"Sorry, I'm very busy and won't have the time..."
"Whatever you need, I'll arrange it!"
"Let me finish!" Emily was exasperated by Charles's urgency. "I can recommend someone, Emily. She lives next door and can check Mr. Smith's meals daily and prepare nutritious meals."
Charles looked at Emily uncertainly, "Is she reliable?"
Daniel almost choked on his own saliva.
He hadn't expected her to recommend herself.
It was unexpected.
But it fit her style.
Emily glanced at Daniel, who was suppressing a laugh.
Daniel composed himself and said calmly, "She'll do."
Emily was pleased but added, "But it'll be an extra cost."
Earning two incomes by herself.
Perfect!
Daniel raised his right hand, fist to his lips, to stifle his laughter. He hadn't realized she was such a money-grubber.
Good thing he knew her true identity; otherwise, he'd never know this amusing side of her.
"Agreed!"
Emily snapped her fingers. "Since I recommended her, she's reliable. Leave it to me. If there's nothing else, I'll be going. For future treatments, Emily will update you on Mr. Smith's recovery."
Having smoothly resolved her identity issue and secured another income, Emily left with a spring in her step.
Her good mood lasted until the next day when she reported to the new professional lab.
Kurt had been eagerly awaiting her arrival.
"Emily, don't waste your talent. You shouldn't spend time on other trivial matters. Focus on research. The project team for your proposed research direction is ready. We need your guidance."
Kurt didn't feel awkward about his enthusiastic attitude towards a newcomer.
Emily was a bit exasperated. The experiment's outcome was already known to her.
But the process had to be followed.
"Mr. Lowe, sorry, I have some matters to handle, so I can't fully dedicate myself. But I'll provide data and answer any questions. How's that?"
Kurt didn't want to let her down and agreed, "As long as you provide data and guidance, your name will be at the top."
Kurt then introduced Emily to the lab team.
After a brief explanation of the new project, everyone got to work.
Emily finally had a moment to rest.
Just then, Sophia called.
"Emily, where are you? Are you in class?" Sophia sounded urgent.
"I'm at the physics lab. What's up?"
"Either stay there or leave campus now. Your father is looking for you."
Sophia was exasperated.
How could someone like Eli be a father? Both Bianca and Emily were his daughters, yet Emily had been lost and lived a hard life. His treatment of Bianca and Emily was worlds apart.
She felt for Emily.
If Eli didn't care, she did.
So she quickly informed Emily, "He seems up to no good. Luckily, he doesn't know you switched majors, or he'd have found you already."
Grateful yet worried, she felt even more for Emily.
Emily had switched majors days ago, and Eli didn't know.
"Ignore him!" Emily guessed it was about the usual issues.
No new tricks. She wanted to see how long they could manage without her.
They'd soon realize she had done a lot for them.
"I'll check it out!" Sophia hung up and rushed off.
Eli, with his bodyguards, was already at Bianca's department.
He had asked for Bianca's schedule. Emily and Bianca were in the same major, and Emily, though rebellious, seemed to love studying.
He planned to surprise her.
"Bianca, your dad's here. Is he here for you? He's so devoted, visiting you despite his busy schedule."
Lily, recognizing Eli from afar, called out.
Classmates knew Bianca came from a well-off family, but few knew it was the Johnson Group, and fewer had seen Eli.
Now, seeing him was an opportunity. Knowing him could help with future job prospects.
Everyone looked at Bianca with admiration.
Lavinia, hearing Eli had arrived, rushed over.
"Dad..."
Under everyone's envious gaze, Bianca hurried to Eli, smiling brightly.
Eli nodded but asked, "Where's Emily?"