Chapter 121: Using Pregnancy to Scheme
"Are you really gonna waste your time standing here with me?" Emily said, her voice icy.
James was taken aback, his sadness quickly morphing into arrogance. He turned deliberately to Bianca and said in a softer tone, "You should’ve told me you were coming. I would’ve picked you up myself. Let’s head inside."
It was like he had been waiting at the door for Bianca, not Emily.
Bianca flashed a sweet smile, playing along, "James, I knew you were waiting just for me."
But inside, she was seething. She knew James was using her to get under Emily’s skin. She used to use James to rile up Emily. When did the tables turn, making her the pawn?
Emily stayed composed, her gaze steady. Eli, however, noticed the scene and his scheming eyes gleamed with satisfaction.
This wasn’t Emily’s first visit to the Smith Villa. The Smith family had always looked down on her, treating her with indifference. Usually, only a few elders or just the servants were around. But today, it seemed the entire Smith family was present: Kade, James's grandparents, and Yara.
When Emily walked in, Kade managed a rare, warm smile and invited her to sit. "Emily, you're here. Have a seat."
He then noticed Bianca, who was closely following James, and a sharp glint appeared in his eyes. He greeted Eli but ignored Bianca, making her heart sink. It was clear Kade didn’t favor her. Marrying James wouldn’t be as simple as just getting rid of Emily.
Seeing everyone gathered, Kade spoke up, "Eli, typically, an engagement shouldn’t be called off. But now that the kids are grown and have their own thoughts, they both want to break it off. So, we should respect their wishes."
James’s face was stern, his gaze locked on Emily.
Eli was surprised by Kade’s straightforwardness, skipping any formalities. He had no choice but to agree, "You’re right. The kids have their own ideas. But the engagement was meant to strengthen our families’ bond. Now, Emily and James are too different, simply not a match. However, I see James and Bianca get along well. Bianca has been raised with the best education and manners, fitting well with James."
Eli agreed with Kade’s view but didn’t miss the chance to promote Bianca.
Emily listened, mocking Eli’s eagerness to push Bianca forward. He couldn’t wait for the engagement to be officially called off before suggesting Bianca, making it seem like the Johnson family’s daughter was an easy replacement.
The Smith family might be thinking that swapping Emily for Bianca was a cause for celebration.
Yara couldn’t help but chime in, "Hold on. James just broke off an engagement. He needs time, or people will think he’s desperate."
Her polite refusal left Eli and Bianca embarrassed. Bianca quickly realized this wouldn't be easy. Eli was just buttering up the Smith family, knowing any real engagement should happen without Emily present. But Yara's words were a slap in the face to the Johnson family, showing clear disdain.
Bianca was furious. Yara, who had clawed her way up as a third party, had no right to look down on her. Bianca was the daughter of the Johnson family, with status and excellence. How dare Yara despise her?
But Bianca knew she couldn't rush things. At that moment, she caught Emily's mocking smile, as if to say, "Even if I break off the engagement, you won't get James."
Bianca clenched her fists, growing anxious. How could she stop the Smith family from severing ties with the Johnson family?
Her gaze stayed locked on Emily's face. Suddenly, she recalled Emily's sarcastic remark in the car: "You know medicine, don't you recognize the symptoms?"
Could it be she was pregnant? If so, it must be James's child. Even if she wasn't, she'd have to pretend to be.
Bianca's eyes flashed with a challenge towards Emily. But then Kade called Emily over.
"Emily, I heard you initiated the engagement break. Despite the years of connection, and James agreeing to it, we will compensate you with a house. Do you have any objections?"
Kade's compensation implied no plans to change the engagement partner, indirectly rejecting Eli's proposal.
Eli's face darkened. If the engagement was truly off, the Johnson family's relationship with the Smith family would end, affecting their business. All because of Emily.
He glared at Emily before forcing a smile, "James and Emily have shared difficult times. I'll ask James's opinion. James, are you sure you want to break off the engagement? No regrets?"
James didn't answer immediately. Yara couldn't hold back, "James might fear breaking off would end their bond. Emily, even if you and James break off, you can still be like siblings."
Eli, seeing James hesitate, ignored Yara and urged, "James, think carefully and tell me how you feel about breaking off the engagement."
James looked at Emily with a complex expression, then spoke, "Emily, if you admit you're wrong, I'll give you one last chance."
Eli's eyes lit up, nudging Emily, "James is talking to you. Apologize!"
He then whispered threateningly, "If you dare break off the engagement, you'll face my wrath. I have ways to hurt everything you care about!"
A blatant threat from a father to his daughter.
Bianca, hearing James's words, panicked. This couldn't happen.
"James, Emily..." Bianca called out, but before she could continue, she suddenly felt nauseous, covering her mouth.
"Bianca, what's wrong?" Eli and James asked, concerned.
James's worry made his earlier words to Emily seem laughable.