Chapter 130: Assistance from Charles
"Alright!"
Daniel didn't stick around. They'd be seeing each other soon enough anyway.
As he stepped outside, he bumped into Charles, who had come to pick him up.
"Daniel, didn't I hear this place got sold? Who bought it? And you're already buddy-buddy with the new owner?"
Charles had no clue Emily was living there and asked out of curiosity.
Daniel didn't hold back.
"Emily."
His voice softened as he said her name.
"No way! So you crashed here last night, huh? You two..."
Charles made a kissing gesture with his fingers, his face a mix of surprise and teasing. He even leaned in closer, like he'd just uncovered some juicy gossip.
Daniel shoved Charles away with a big hand, annoyed. "Get your mind out of the gutter. Don't go tarnishing her reputation."
Charles realized he'd jumped to the wrong conclusion.
Emily and Daniel were still on the up-and-up, but Daniel's feelings for Emily were anything but casual.
"You serious about Emily? She's looking pretty good these days, really beautiful, but there are pretty girls everywhere. What makes her special?"
Charles was genuinely puzzled.
Thinking of Emily, Daniel's face softened into a gentle smile. "Everything about her is perfect."
"You really got it bad, huh?" Charles was taken aback by Daniel's blunt confession.
"Yeah! So, show her some respect. She's gonna be my wife."
Daniel's voice was firm and unwavering.
Though Charles was still baffled by Daniel's sudden affection for Emily, he respected his friend and, by extension, the girl he liked.
"Don't worry, I will."
Daniel nodded, satisfied.
No wonder he considered Charles one of his few good friends. Even when Charles didn't get Daniel's actions, he always had his back.
However, Charles was taken aback to see Emily in the first-class cabin of the plane, and she wasn't alone—Aaron was with her.
Seeing Emily, Charles greeted her warmly, not noticing the man beside her. "Hey Emily, what a coincidence! Daniel's here too. This must be fate, right?"
Charles grinned widely, his eyes showing no hint of judgment or suspicion.
Emily felt a bit awkward but glanced over at Daniel when she heard his name, meeting his gaze.
"Mr. Smith, what a surprise! Are you heading to Regal City for business? Early mornings and now more work, take care of your health."
Emily's professional instincts took over, reminding him to rest.
Normally, Charles would have had a snappy comeback, but this time he smiled suggestively at Emily. "Didn't expect you to care so much about Daniel! You even checked his pulse this morning, more attentive than me. That's really touching."
Emily's expression stiffened. Charles's words felt like mockery, but his genuine look showed no hint of sarcasm.
She forced a smile. "He's my patient. It's my job to care."
Charles seemed disappointed by her response. He had hoped that if Daniel made an effort, Emily would fall for him. Now it seemed like Daniel was the one with unrequited feelings.
Before Charles could say more, Daniel warned him softly, "Charles, enough."
Charles fell silent, leaving Emily puzzled by his sudden change in attitude. She felt a bit tense.
With Charles quiet, she relaxed slightly, nodded at Daniel in greeting, and continued discussing the AI project with Aaron, confident Harold would be interested in investing.
Charles watched them chat closely, concerned. "Daniel, when did Emily get so familiar with the Hill family? Do you think she likes this kind of crowd?"
Daniel's eyes darkened. "No."
His words seemed more like reassurance to himself. With James, Knox, and now Aaron, Emily's charm was undeniable, attracting many.
Daniel's expression turned serious, realizing he might not be enough.
Charles noticed Daniel's cold demeanor, understanding his jealousy. Suddenly, he had an idea.
He approached Aaron and asked Emily, "Ms. Johnson, I need to discuss something with Mr. Hill. Could you switch seats with Daniel for a bit?"
Emily met Charles's pleading gaze and surprisingly agreed.
"Alright."
Since Charles knew Aaron's name, it seemed they were acquainted. Knowing Charles wouldn't pose any danger, she asked Aaron, "Do you know Charles from the Green family? Would you mind chatting with him?"
Aaron felt a bit odd, having no prior interaction with Charles, but decided it was best not to offend the influential Green family.
"Sure, it's fine, Emily."
With Aaron's approval, Emily moved to Daniel's side. Since Daniel was seated on the aisle, she had to pass by him to reach Charles's spot.
Daniel appeared tired, his eyes closed. Not wanting to disturb him, Emily tried to squeeze through, but as she lifted her leg, Daniel suddenly moved, his long legs tripping her.
Emily lost her balance, instinctively grabbing Daniel's collar, falling into his arms. Daniel's long arm wrapped around her, protecting her head and pulling her close.
Emily's hands landed on his firm chest.
"Are you okay?" Daniel's voice was low and husky.
"I'm fine, sorry, I tripped." Emily blushed, trying to get up.
But as she moved, Daniel groaned, his breath becoming ragged. "Don't move!"
As a doctor, Emily instantly understood, freezing in place, her gaze falling on his moving Adam's apple.