Chapter 178: Diverting Troubles to the East, Bianca's Thoughts
"Are you seriously just gonna sit back and let Hayden die if you don't get the money?" Eli snapped, clearly frustrated.
Aiden stayed quiet, unsure of what to do next.
Bianca was just as upset hearing about Hayden's situation. She had lost another potential ally. Ever since Emily showed up that day, everything had changed. Bianca's luck seemed to tank at the same time.
Could Emily have brought some bad luck with her, and that’s what's messing everything up?
Bianca never considered that the problem might be her own doing; it was always someone else’s fault. She was superstitious enough to believe in such things rather than accept that actions have consequences.
As she mulled over the idea of consulting a spiritual expert to get rid of whatever was affecting Emily, she didn't notice Eli and Aiden staring at her intently.
"Bianca!"
Eli's shout snapped her out of her scheming thoughts. She realized Eli and Aiden were looking at her strangely, almost as if—
As if she were a piece of meat.
"Dad, Aiden, why are you looking at me like that? I'm worried about Hayden too, but I don't know what to do!"
Bianca's eyes filled with tears, ready to spill over. In the past, Eli and Aiden would have immediately been concerned for her well-being, but now they didn’t seem to notice.
Maybe they hadn’t even realized this shift themselves. Perhaps it was because Bianca had become increasingly useless, or maybe because her true nature was being revealed bit by bit.
"Bianca, have you forgotten you're carrying James's child? Go to the Smith family. Maybe they can help save Hayden!" Eli suggested.
Bianca hadn't told them that James was now quite disgusted with her. No, she couldn’t let them look down on her because of that.
Thinking quickly, Bianca replied, "Dad, Aiden, I forgot about that. Even though I don’t want to use the baby to get anything, I’m willing to do it for Hayden. But—"
"But what? Are you willing or not?" Eli was getting impatient and looked disappointed at Bianca.
Tearfully, Bianca said, "Dad, you misunderstand me. I just think Emily has a close relationship with Mr. Smith. If Mr. Smith steps in, it would increase the chances of Hayden’s safe return. If Emily refuses, then I’ll try to help. What do you think?"
Eli and Aiden exchanged glances and quickly made a decision.
"I’ll try to contact Emily and see if she can help. But our relationship with her is pretty strained right now, so she might not be willing." Aiden understood the situation well.
But Eli didn’t seem to grasp it.
"She wouldn't dare! That's her brother's life at stake. What kind of grudge could make her refuse to help?"
Bianca wanted to shift the blame onto Emily and was ready to add fuel to the fire.
Choking up, she said, "Aiden, you go find Emily. If she refuses to help Hayden, I’m willing to apologize to her. It's all because of me that Emily has become so heartless."
"Alright, don’t blame yourself too much. I’ll convey your message. Emily used to listen to us, so she probably won’t refuse to help Hayden. She’s just been angry for too long. I’ll try to calm her down."
Despite his earlier doubts, Aiden now seemed confident, perhaps recalling Emily’s previous obedience.
"Okay, I’ll wait for your good news, Aiden."
Eli reminded Aiden, "Tell Emily that if she helps, we’ll still consider her family."
He still didn’t understand what Emily truly wanted.
Aiden knew he wouldn’t find Emily at the villa. He eventually contacted her through Violette.
"Violette, Hayden is your nephew. Can you really stand by and do nothing? I just want to see Emily and respect her decision. Can you at least let me try?"
Aiden had been groomed as the heir, and even though Violette was older, his authority made her uneasy. She felt compelled to help.
"This isn’t up to me. You know I rely on Emily for our peace. Even if you blame me, I have to be honest. I’ll pass on your message, but Emily’s decision is hers alone."
Violette’s honesty reassured Emily. She didn’t want another betrayal like in her previous life.
"Alright."
"What?" Violette was surprised by Emily’s quick agreement. She had feared Emily’s anger.
Emily repeated, "Aiden wants to see me, right? I agree. Let him know."
Violette’s loyalty was enough for Emily. She didn’t want to force Violette to abandon the Johnson family, knowing it would be too much to ask.
Emily valued Violette’s kindness and didn’t want to turn her into a cold-hearted person.