Chapter 102: Daniel Also Plays Tricks
"Hey, here's your prize—twenty million bucks. The password's the last six digits of the card number!"
The man handed over a bank card with a respectful nod.
Emily's eyes narrowed. Did this guy know she was number 7?
She took the card and asked, "How'd you know it was mine?"
The man smiled. "It wasn't me who knew, it was my boss. But don't worry, Ms. Johnson, your identity's totally confidential. Now that I've delivered the card, I'll be on my way."
Emily had no clue who his boss was. From what he said, it seemed like they knew a lot about her. Could this whole competition be a setup just to get her involved? And they even knew she needed the money!
Her expression grew serious. "Who organized this event? Do you know their boss?" Emily asked Byron.
Byron shook his head, looking equally puzzled. "Sorry, Ms. Johnson, I don't know. All I know is the boss is a mysterious figure, but it's gotta be someone from one of the big families. That guy was so confident, not even scared of James. Only someone from the big families would have that kind of nerve!"
Emily nodded. "Let's drop it for now. At least they don't seem to have any bad intentions."
Thinking about how Byron had helped her, she transferred two million dollars to him.
"Ms. Johnson, what's this for?"
Even though two million dollars wasn't a lot for someone of his status, earning it himself rather than relying on his family felt pretty good.
Emily saw his touched expression and said seriously, "Be my assistant. As long as you're loyal and obedient, there'll be plenty of benefits."
"Ms. Johnson..."
"Stop, no need for the emotional stuff. I can't handle it!"
Emily quickly cut off Byron's emotional display. The two then left the room.
At the door, they saw Knox leaning casually against the doorframe, one hand in his pocket, his noble demeanor tinged with a bit of roguish charm, smiling as he watched Emily come out. When he saw Byron next to her, his eyes turned sharp, scrutinizing Byron.
"Mr. Green, who are you looking for?"
Byron recognized Knox, a hint of surprise flashing in his eyes.
Knox raised his chin slightly, smiling at Emily. "Finished with the competition? I watched it, not bad. You don't have any other plans now, do you? You still owe me a meal."
"Ms. Johnson, you know him?" Byron, feeling a bit intimidated, spoke hesitantly.
Knox, already displeased with Byron's presence, now looked even more disdainful. "You really don't choose your friends carefully, do you?"
"He's fine. Since you two know each other, no need for introductions. Byron is my assistant."
Emily defended Byron, explaining with a hint of disapproval. Though Knox didn't continue targeting Byron verbally, his gaze grew colder.
"Let's go. I heard there's a great restaurant nearby. Let's grab a bite."
Knox decided to avoid further irritation and invited Emily to leave with him.
Since Knox had helped her with the car today, Emily felt it would be rude to refuse. She told Byron, "I'm going to eat with him. You can head back first."
As her assistant, Byron had to obey. Though he was worried about the potentially dangerous Knox deceiving Emily, he didn't dare voice his concerns in front of Knox.
After leaving, Byron secretly messaged Emily.
Byron: [Ms. Johnson, I don't know how much you know about Mr. Green, but he's not a simple man and very dangerous. Be careful and try not to get too close to him!]
Emily couldn't help but laugh when she saw the message.
Knox noticed her sudden laughter and narrowed his eyes. "Who messaged you to make you so happy? Got a secret admirer or something?"
He leaned in slightly, closing the distance due to his height. From a distance, they looked like a couple sharing something intimate, especially with Emily's smile still on her face.
She shook her head. "No, someone just warned me that you're dangerous and I should be careful not to be deceived by you."
"Who? No matter how dangerous I am, I can't be more dangerous than you with your poison skills and medical knowledge," Knox replied, his eyes twinkling with amusement.
The two walked out, chatting and laughing. Unbeknownst to them, a tall figure stood by a window on the second floor, watching them intently. His fingers curled, veins bulging. His expression was blank, but the oppressive atmosphere around him was almost suffocating. After a moment, he narrowed his eyes and took out his phone, dialing a number.
Emily was about to get in the car when her phone rang. She glanced at the number. "Sorry, just a moment!" Emily apologized to Knox and stepped aside to answer the call.
"Mr. Smith, what can I do for you?"
"Can't I call without a reason?" came the unexpected response.
Emily was taken aback by his tone. For a moment, she wondered if it was really Daniel. How else could he say something so... suggestive? Her heart raced. "Of course not. You can call me anytime, Mr. Smith!"
Daniel's icy demeanor seemed to melt at her words. "My chest feels a bit tight. I'm worried there might be some new poison at home. I might need you to come over." Daniel coughed twice as he spoke.
"Alright, I'll be there right away!" Emily's demeanor shifted from shy to serious. Knowing Daniel's current health, she couldn't afford any delays, especially with those two herbs still missing.
"Good, I'll be waiting." Daniel's smile widened, his voice soft and tender. But Emily, worried about his health, didn't notice.
After hanging up, Emily walked back to the car, apologizing to Knox. "Mr. Green, I'm sorry, but I have an emergency patient. I have to postpone our meal again."
Seeing her serious expression, Knox had a bad feeling. And it turned out to be true. Looking at her guilty expression, he couldn't bring himself to say anything harsh. He had really lost to her.
"You have such a busy life. It's hard to even have a meal with you. What can I do? I can't force you to eat with me!" Knox's tone was tinged with a playful resentment.
Emily felt a bit awkward. "I'm really sorry. I'll make it up to you. Not just one, but two meals!"
"Standing me up again and again, and you think two meals will make up for it?" Knox replied with a half-smile.
Emily opened her mouth to say something, but Knox interrupted, "You go think about how to make it up to me. Something simple won't cut it!" With that, he got in his car and drove off, leaving in style.
Emily could tell he wasn't really angry, feeling both touched and helpless. Shaking her head, she was about to call a cab. Just then, a car pulled up in front of her, driven by the same man who had given her the card.
"Ms. Johnson, as the winner of the competition, let me personally drive you home. Where to?" the man asked politely.
Emily's expression darkened, her eyes glinting. This guy seemed a bit too eager to help her. It was almost like he was monitoring her. But Emily composed herself and didn't refuse. She wanted to see what he was up to.