Chapter 73 Exposed
The principal replied, "Ms. Johnson, please tell me. As long as the school can manage it, we'll definitely comply!"
Emily leaned forward, lowering her voice so only the two of them could hear.
The principal's expression changed constantly as she spoke, shifting from surprise to hesitation. "But..."
"Don't worry, you'll get something much better in return."
The principal pondered for a moment, then nodded firmly, "Alright, I understand. I'll make the arrangements."
Emily stood up without another word and left the office.
The moment she was gone, the principal immediately picked up the phone and dialed Jessa's number. "Jessa, come to my office right now. There's something I need you to handle."
As soon as Emily stepped out of the principal's office, Nathan and Wesley both approached her.
Nathan spoke first, "Ms. Johnson, Mr. Windsor instructed me to drive you and the children home to ensure your safety."
Wesley immediately interrupted, "No need to trouble yourself. I'm heading that way anyway, and I have some things about the children I'd like to discuss with Emily. I'll give her a ride."
The two men locked eyes, neither willing to back down.
Nathan was worried Wesley might try to sabotage Charles and Emily's relationship, and even more concerned about Charles's reaction when he returned.
Wesley was curious about the real relationship between Emily and the children, hoping to ask more questions during the drive.
Just then, a clear female voice called out, "Emily!"
Everyone turned to see Elodie rushing over, still in her white coat, her face full of anxiety. "I just finished surgery and saw your message. Are the children okay? Were they hurt?"
Elodie was so worried that she only had eyes for Emily. It wasn't until she got closer that she noticed the two men standing beside her.
Why were both of them here at the same time?
They hadn't already figured out that Emily was the children's mother, had they?
Wesley watched Elodie's nervous demeanor and couldn't help teasing, "You rushed straight here after surgery. Aren't you worried about exhausting yourself? You're more concerned about these kids than their actual mother."
As he spoke, Wesley kept glancing meaningfully at Emily.
Elodie's heart skipped a beat, realizing Wesley was fishing for information.
She responded casually, "I've watched these children grow up. How could I not worry?"
She looked up and smiled at Emily. "Being their godmother is exhausting work. You got here even faster than I did."
Emily immediately played along, "Well, they're children entrusted to me by a good friend. I can't let her be mistreated."
The two women's back-and-forth sounded natural and seamless, without any flaws. Even Nathan couldn't help frowning.
The more natural it sounded, the more suspicious he became. Two godmothers who cared more than the actual mother?
Did that make sense?
Whatever. Reasonable or not, it wasn't his concern. He just needed to do his job.
"Ms. Johnson, let me drive you and the children home."
He was calculating privately: these two kids were almost certainly Charles and Emily's, which made Emily the future Mrs. Windsor. Even if Charles hadn't specifically instructed him, he'd still need to protect her properly.
Otherwise, when Charles returned, he'd personally destroy him.
Besides, Emily was also the chief designer for Obscura Fashion under the Windsor Group. Wesley clearly had ulterior motives. If he managed to poach her, Charles would be even more furious.
Wesley immediately interrupted, moving closer to Emily. "Nathan, that's being too formal. Emily and Elodie are good friends—it's more convenient for me to drive them."
His words subtly emphasized his closer relationship with Emily.
Elodie quickly waved her hands, laughing to smooth things over, "Wesley, don't worry about it. I drove here, too. Emily probably wants to chat with me about what just happened. We can get home ourselves, no need to trouble either of you."
As she spoke, she quietly tugged on Wesley's sleeve, acting coquettish.
Wesley saw the look in Elodie's eyes and sighed inwardly, reluctantly giving up for now.
Emily also spoke up, "Thank you both for the kind offer, but it's really not necessary. Elodie and I are indeed going the same way, and the children were a bit shaken up earlier—they'd like to get home and rest."
Besides, Jasper still hadn't been exposed, and if they rode in Nathan or Wesley's car, wouldn't that just expose another child? That wouldn't do!
Nathan wanted to try again, but seeing Emily's determined expression, he knew further persuasion would be useless. He could only nod respectfully, "Then please be careful, Ms. Johnson. If anything happens on the road, call me anytime. My phone is on 24/7."
As he spoke, he stepped back two paces to clear the way for them.
He had no choice. Emily's attitude was firm, and he couldn't exactly force the issue. He'd just have to go back and send Charles a message explaining the situation. At least he hadn't lost to Wesley.
Emily and Elodie went to the nurse's office together to pick up the three children.
Once they were far enough away, Elodie finally exhaled in relief. "Good thing I reacted quickly and didn't blow our cover. But I don't think we can keep this secret much longer."
Emily didn't respond, only letting out a soft sigh. She knew it, too.
The children's identities probably couldn't be hidden much longer.
They'd have to take it one day at a time.
After the two women's figures disappeared down the hallway, Wesley turned to Nathan with a somewhat teasing tone. "Nathan, you seem quite devoted to Ms. Johnson. How much is Charles paying you to be so dedicated?"
Nathan glanced at him, his tone flat. "I'm just doing what I'm supposed to do. When Mr. Windsor gives me a task, naturally, I complete it properly."
But in his mind, he was thinking, 'When Mr. Windsor returns and finds out how close you've gotten to Emily, you'll be in for it. Mr. Windsor, please hurry back. Otherwise, both the children and Emily will be stolen away.'
Elodie's car moved smoothly along the road home, the cabin filled with the children's laughter.
Emma hugged the stuffed animal Emily had given her, whispering with Ethan about what to have for dinner. Jasper leaned against the window, his fingers quickly scrolling across his tablet—he was checking current stock prices.
Emma and Ethan had signed contracts to become child actors and could earn money for the family. As their older brother, he needed to take action, too. He wondered if this stock could become his first pot of gold?
Emily sat in the passenger seat, watching the streetscape flash by outside the window, but her heart wasn't at ease.
Elodie's earlier words stuck in her mind like a thorn. The children's identities really couldn't be hidden much longer.
It was manageable while Charles wasn't in Emerald City, but once he returned, he'd definitely investigate thoroughly. How would she explain things to him then?
Just then, her phone suddenly rang, the screen displaying "Clara."
Emily's brow furrowed instantly, her finger hovering over the answer key, her eyes full of wariness.
Clara had just caused trouble at the school, and now she was calling again—it definitely wasn't good news.
"Don't answer. It's definitely nothing good," Elodie whispered as a reminder.
But Emily shook her head and pressed the answer key, her tone cold, "What do you want?"