Chapter 154: Only When It Happened to Him Did He Know Regret
"Hey Hayden, you gotta be careful out there."
Chase always had this gut feeling, and hearing about Hayden's plans was making him uneasy. He couldn't help but voice his concern.
Hayden, apart from Emily, was the least favored in the family. He craved their praise and validation. He had just been complimented, and now Chase was raining on his parade.
Hayden was annoyed. "Chase, what's your deal? I've busted my butt to earn this money, and it could help you too. Instead of being happy for me, you're just bringing me down. If you can't be supportive, then don't say anything at all."
Bianca jumped in, "Chase, even if you're mad at me, don't take it out on Hayden. He's about to leave; you should be encouraging him, not this. If you're really upset, take it out on me instead. I'll handle it for Hayden."
"I wasn't... I just..."
"Enough with the 'just'! If you can't say anything nice, then zip it. I'm going upstairs to pack."
Hayden cut Chase off, storming upstairs in frustration.
Eli and Bianca both voiced their disapproval of Chase's behavior. He was left speechless, unable to defend himself.
He had meant well, just offering a simple reminder. How had it turned into him being accused of taking out his frustration on Hayden?
Chase suddenly remembered the times Emily had been rendered speechless by Bianca's manipulative words. He began to understand Emily's situation a bit better.
Bianca seemed kind, but her words often led to misunderstandings.
Chase felt a pang of guilt and frustration. What had he been doing all these years? He started to regret his coldness towards Emily and even helping Bianca bully her.
Thinking about how his recent actions were also influenced by Bianca, Chase felt even more depressed.
But he couldn’t bring himself to confront Bianca, to accuse her of targeting Emily. The family adored Bianca too much, and Chase found himself with no one to share his frustrations with.
He pulled out his phone and after a moment of hesitation, called Aurora.
Aurora was feeling unusually relaxed. Her illness was under control, and with continued medication, she would soon be fully recovered. She was grateful to Emily for this.
Seeing Chase's call, Aurora frowned but decided to answer.
"Chase, what's up?"
Chase had genuinely worried about her illness, so she couldn't be completely cold.
Chase didn't notice any change in Aurora's attitude. "Aurora, how are you feeling now? Is Emily's medicine really working? If not, don't worry, I'll find another way to help you!"
"No need!" Aurora cut him off firmly. "I feel much better now. Emily's medicine is very effective. I'll be fine soon. You shouldn't always doubt her. No matter what, she's still your sister, right? Besides, she hasn't done anything unforgivable. Your attitude towards her is unfair!"
Aurora could see things clearly from the outside. When Bianca had colluded with outsiders to frame Emily, Chase hadn't thought to help Emily, which made Aurora displeased with him.
Someone who couldn't distinguish right from wrong wouldn't achieve much in the future.
Chase, always skeptical about Emily, began to see things differently after Aurora’s words. But his pride wouldn't let him apologize, even though he knew he was wrong.
He started venting about his recent frustrations, especially being misunderstood by his family.
"I didn't expect Bianca to take credit for Emily's work. She was wrong and should apologize. She's so kind, yet she refuses. I've spoiled her so much; she should at least do it for me!"
He had no one else to talk to, so when he finally found someone to confide in, he couldn't stop.
Aurora listened patiently. After a moment of silence, she spoke, "You say Bianca is wrong, but have you thought about your own mistakes? Do you realize Emily is the most innocent one here? Bianca should apologize, but what about you?"
"Me?" Chase was confused, not seeing the problem. "What did I do wrong? As long as Bianca apologizes and everyone knows about Emily's talent, she'll get the recognition she deserves!"
Aurora was thoroughly disappointed. She thought for a moment before saying, "If Emily is talented, she could give her songs to any star and get the same recognition. It doesn't have to be you."
"But I'm her brother!"
Chase said this with conviction.
Aurora felt speechless. "You didn't acknowledge her as your sister before, but now you're claiming to be her brother? That's shameless!"
Chase was stunned by Aurora's bluntness.
He had always seen Aurora as the epitome of gentleness, and it was her gentle nature that he liked about her.
Aurora continued, "We don't need to stay in touch anymore. I don't think our personalities are compatible."
With that, she hung up.
Chase was left listening to the dial tone, realizing what Aurora had just said. When he tried calling back, he found he had been blocked.
Already frustrated with his career, this added blow to his love life left Chase utterly dejected.
"After all I've done for you, finding doctors and all, you turn on me when I'm down in my career? You ungrateful bitch!"
Chase's true character was revealed in his rage.
The Johnson family, at their core, were selfish. Even if they realized their mistakes, it was only a fleeting moment of conscience.
He raged, his face contorted with anger. If his fans saw him like this, they would probably abandon him in droves.
After venting, Chase thought bitterly, "Once I clear my name from this plagiarism scandal and with Hayden's help, my career will soar. Then, Aurora, you'll regret this. I'll watch you beg!"
Despite his words, he couldn't shake his frustration. So, he called up some friends and went to a bar.
Drinking heavily because of his mood, Chase couldn't resist hitting on girls when his friends egged him on.
"Hey gorgeous, have a drink with me. I'll make it worth your while!"
Chase grabbed a girl's hand, swaying slightly as he spoke with a grin.
Most girls would have been scared by a stranger grabbing them. But this girl was Wren.
She glanced at Chase's hand on her wrist, her eyes narrowing dangerously for a moment. But seeing his drunken, flushed face, her gaze softened slightly. "Let go!"