Chapter 10

Lying in bed, Emily thought about the past couple of days and made up her mind—she had to win over Aiden.

In the Smith family, Aiden was the only one who could keep James in check.

No matter how overbearing James was, he wouldn't ignore Aiden, right?

Starting tomorrow, she would focus on getting on Aiden's good side. Her future in the Smith family and the safety of the Johnson family depended on it.

Early the next morning, Emily found David and asked about Aiden's preferences. She learned that Aiden's health wasn't great and he couldn't eat greasy foods, so she decided to make a light soup in the kitchen.

At the dining table, Isabella watched Emily's efforts and couldn't help but roll her eyes.

"We have plenty of chefs and servants here. It's not your job to take over their work!"

The servants had told her that Emily had been in the kitchen since early morning, doing who knew what. Isabella already disliked Emily and found fault with everything she did.

Emily kept her head down and didn't respond, simply bringing the freshly made soup to Aiden. "Dad, I heard your blood pressure is high and you can't have greasy soup, so I made a light one for you. Please try it."

Emily served the soup to Aiden with a gentle and obedient demeanor.

Aiden took the soup, tasted it, and nodded approvingly. "Not bad, you were thoughtful."

"I'm glad you like it. I'll make it for you often."

Aiden grew more satisfied with Emily. Although the incident on their wedding night had displeased him, he could understand. A twenty-year-old girl, abandoned by her husband on their wedding night for another woman, might act out in desperation.

"Little sister-in-law sure knows how to please Dad. Only two days in and already busy currying favor?"

Amelia Martinez's sarcastic remark was aimed at Emily. Displaying filial piety in front of everyone was a way of implying that Amelia wasn't filial.

Though Amelia didn't speak much, Emily knew she was aligned with Isabella. After all, they were on the same side.

"Amelia, I'm new to the Smith family and don't know all the rules, but I think taking care of Dad's health isn't wrong, right?"

"Of course, now that you've latched onto our family, you have to curry favor!" Amelia sneered, continuing her sarcastic remarks. "But maybe you should spend more time pleasing your husband, or you might lose your Mrs. Smith title."

"Early in the morning, what nonsense are you spouting? If you don't want to eat, get out!"

Aiden glared at Amelia, his anger ruining the meal.

Nolan Smith, seeing Amelia being reprimanded by Aiden, also expressed his displeasure. "You should say less. Emily made soup for Dad out of kindness. If you don't like it, just keep quiet!"

Amelia, feeling wronged, looked at Nolan. "Whose side are you on? Can't you see she's deliberately trying to outshine me?"

"I think Amelia has a point. Being so attentive early in the morning, she must have an agenda. I heard the Johnson family has some projects they can't secure. Emily must be trying to use the Smith family's connections."

Isabella shot Emily a cold look, convinced she had ulterior motives. She would never let the Johnson family benefit from the Smith family.

"You're overthinking it. I never interfere with family business, and I won't use the Smith family for anything."

The Smith family already looked down on her, thinking the Johnson family was beneath them. If she used the Smith family's power for the Johnson family, she'd have even less say in the Smith family.

"Only you know your true intentions. Your parents married you into our family to climb the social ladder, didn't they?"

Emily took a deep breath and held back her anger. To win over Aiden, she wouldn't stoop to their level.

"Enough!" Aiden's angry gaze swept over everyone. "You've turned a good meal into a mess! Emily is now part of the Smith family. I don't want to hear any more targeting of her!"

Seeing Aiden's anger, Isabella and Amelia had no choice but to stay silent.

After the meal, Aiden sat on the living room sofa, reading a finance book. Emily offered to massage his legs.

Seeing how considerate Emily was, Aiden grew even fonder of her. James had married such a good wife; he needed to treat her well.

"Dad, I learned a new massage technique to relieve fatigue. Is the pressure okay?"

"Not bad." Aiden nodded in satisfaction and closed his eyes to rest.

As he drifted off, Emily took out her phone and called James.

In the conference room, James was listening to department reports. Seeing the caller ID, he frowned and answered, "What is it?"

"James, are you busy?"

"Yes."

"I wanted to discuss tomorrow..."

Before Emily could finish, the call was abruptly ended.

Emily thought she had misheard. After confirming, she realized he had indeed hung up.

Jerk, she hadn't even finished speaking!

Fuming, Emily called him again. Soon, James's impatient voice came through, "Say what you need to say!"

He hated being interrupted during work.

Emily was annoyed by his attitude but remembered she needed his help tomorrow. She suppressed her anger. "Tomorrow is my day to visit my family. Do you have time to go with me?"

"Visit your family, huh?" James smirked and gave a cold reply, "Not going!"

"It's a tradition to visit family three days after the wedding. How can you not go with me?"

Emily was anxious. If James didn't accompany her tomorrow, Hayden and Sophia would worry. She didn't want them to be concerned.

"Visiting your family is your business. Go if you want, it has nothing to do with me."

Previously, she had been sharp-tongued with him. Now she was quickly turning to him for help?

James wouldn't indulge her and had no time for such trivial matters.

"James, you..." Emily was too angry to speak.

Aiden, awakened by their conversation, saw Emily's red, aggrieved face and took the phone. "You must accompany Emily tomorrow. If you don't..."

"If I don't, you'll make sure I never see my mother again?" James sneered, his lips curling into a mocking smile. That threat no longer worked on him.

"After the visit, I'll let you know about your mother's condition."

James's grip on the phone tightened, his heart racing uncontrollably. His voice was hoarse. "You better not be lying this time!"