Chapter 164 Strictly Demanding of Oneself
"So, you're nuts. No wonder you act like a maniac!"
Veda sneered at Emily. "Someone like you definitely doesn't deserve Daniel. I'm totally right about that."
Emily ignored Veda's smugness and turned to Mason. "No one dares to stand up for me, but what about the security cameras? I just checked, and there are cameras over there and there. Aren't there?"
A place like the Smith Villa would naturally have top-notch security, and cameras were a given.
It wasn't surprising that Emily guessed this.
But for her to accurately point out two such hidden spots showed she was no ordinary person.
Mason faced Emily with a stern expression.
Veda's eyes darted nervously. She had forgotten about the cameras. The fact that Emily, who seemed so inexperienced, had thought of this was alarming.
No way, they couldn't check the footage.
She quickly forced a laugh and pretended to be relaxed. "Well, what a coincidence, the cameras weren't on today. With so many people at the party, it would be disrespectful to have them on!"
Mason didn't say anything.
By staying silent, he tacitly agreed with Veda. He continued with a serious face, "Without this evidence, it seems the situation might not be as you claim. If it turns out you were the one bullying the Smith family, you'll have to face the consequences."
Veda beamed with satisfaction.
Raina looked at Emily with worry and guilt, as if to apologize for being unable to help.
Just when everyone thought this was a game Emily would inevitably lose, she pulled out her phone and waved it in front of everyone.
"Who said I don't have evidence? Lucky for me, I have a habit of recording sounds to understand people better. I recorded everything that happened downstairs."
"No, you can't listen to it!"
Veda panicked and instinctively lunged to grab the phone from Emily's hand.
Emily reacted quickly, sidestepping and extending her foot just enough to trip Veda.
"Ouch, you bitch!"
Veda fell in front of Emily, practically kneeling, and pounded the ground in anger and humiliation, cursing Emily.
Emily had already started playing the recording.
Daniel glanced coldly at everyone who had bullied Emily, then took her hand, ready to leave.
Before they left, he warned everyone present, "Emily is the one I've chosen to spend my life with. Hurting her is hurting me. I expect to see sincere apologies from everyone by tomorrow, or don't blame me for what happens next!"
With that, he turned and walked away without looking back.
Emily didn't want to keep feeling wronged like she always had in the past.
But seeing Daniel like this, so supportive, was a surprise. He really was too good to her.
He had never doubted her.
This was the most important thing to Emily.
Because she had never received such trust before, it was all the more precious.
Once they left the Smith Villa, Emily spoke to Daniel with some guilt, "I hope I didn't cause you too much trouble?"
Seeing her cautious expression, Daniel thought of Emily's past and felt even more protective of her.
"I've told you, as long as you don't feel wronged, you can do whatever you want."
His eyes were serious and sincere as he said this, and the trust in them almost overwhelmed Emily.
She nearly got lost in his gaze, her heart racing, so she quickly looked away.
"Don't worry, I won't let myself be wronged anymore. Even though I only fought back because they pushed me first, I had a reason for being so direct. Your support has only made me more determined. And this time, I actually found something useful."
"You might just be my good luck charm. Spill it, what did you find out?"
Daniel's deep eyes reflected Emily's increasingly radiant face.
Emily smiled, clearly pleased with his words. "You should have someone keep an eye on Veda and see who she's been hanging out with lately. I caught a faint scent on her, the same one from when you were poisoned. It's very faint, so I think she came into contact with the real culprit and got it on her."
"Alright, I'll have someone look into it right away."
Daniel responded without a hint of doubt.
Emily nodded. "And that Raina and the woman Veda calls 'Aunt,' I'm not sure, but my gut tells me there's something off. If you have enough people, it wouldn't hurt to check them out too."
"I trust your instincts."
Daniel didn't hesitate to believe her.
Emily was pleased with Daniel's willingness to listen.
If he had questioned her too much, she might have regretted helping.
Back at home, Daniel invited Emily to dinner to thank her.
Emily was about to refuse, but Daniel tempted her. "I'll cook myself. Don’t you want to try it?"
Her refusal was pulled back by curiosity. "I didn't expect the great Daniel to cook?"
She was genuinely curious about what kind of food someone as distinguished as Daniel would make.
"Alright, I'll give it a try!"
Emily smiled brightly.
Her smile was infectious, making Daniel's lips curl into a handsome smile as well.
Emily rarely saw Daniel smile like this; it was truly captivating!
As she sat in the chair, she watched the kitchen.
Daniel, wearing an apron, had his white shirt sleeves rolled up, revealing his defined forearms with veins popping out as he wielded the spatula. It created a striking contrast.
It was like seeing a normally reserved man suddenly immersed in everyday life.
Instead of diminishing his cool aura, it added a unique charm.
Emily found herself a bit mesmerized.
Daniel seemed to sense her gaze and turned around, meeting her admiring eyes.
"Is it almost ready?"
Emily tried to cover her flustered state with a smile.
It was an awkward question.
But Daniel played along. "Yes, this dish is almost done. Want to try it?"
"What?"
Emily didn't understand.
Daniel gestured for her to come over.
She unconsciously walked to his side, and a piece of meat was placed in her mouth.
It was delicious.
Her eyes lit up as soon as she tasted it.
Though it was a bit hot, making her open her mouth slightly and stick out her tongue.
Her face was full of enjoyment.
Seeing her like this, Daniel's eyes softened even more.
It seemed she really liked the dish, which meant it was a success!
All his efforts in studying recipes and perfecting his cooking had paid off.
He had learned because he heard a saying: to win someone's heart, you must first win their stomach.
He was very committed!
"That's amazing, Daniel! Is there anything you can't do?"
Emily swallowed the food and gave Daniel a thumbs up, her eyes full of genuine admiration.
"As long as you like it. Go wait outside; I'll finish up. Just one more dish and two sides, and then we can eat!"
"Okay!"
Emily obediently left the kitchen.
While she was waiting, her phone suddenly rang. It was an unfamiliar number.