Chapter 179 He Came to Back Her Up
Coffee Shop Scene
“Alright, what’s this about?” Emily asked as she slid into the booth across from Aiden.
After Violette’s call, Emily wasted no time meeting Aiden at the coffee shop near the villa. She wasn’t one to beat around the bush.
Aiden frowned, taking in Emily’s calm and detached demeanor. “Didn’t Violette fill you in? Do you even know about Hayden…”
“Yeah, I know. So what?”
“How can you be so cool about this? He’s your brother for crying out loud! How can you be so heartless?”
Aiden’s voice was thick with frustration as he looked at Emily like she was someone he didn’t recognize.
Emily raised an eyebrow and met his gaze, unflinching. “Spit it out, Aiden. You guys never treated me like family anyway. If you’re here to lecture me, I’ve got better things to do.”
She made a move to leave, but Aiden clenched his jaw and called out, “Wait. Fine, no lectures. Let’s get down to business.”
Emily settled back in her seat, waiting for him to continue.
“They’re asking for a hundred million dollars in ransom, and we’ve got three days. The Johnson Group just dumped a ton of money into a new project, so we can’t pull that kind of cash together fast. And even if we pay, who knows if they’ll let him go?”
Aiden’s expression grew darker. “Our only shot is to use connections to get him back. I heard Mr. Smith holds you in high regard. Think you could ask him for help? If he’s willing, Hayden could come home safe.”
Emily looked him square in the eye. “What’s in it for me?”
“‘What’s in it for you?’” Aiden echoed, stunned. “Emily, he’s your brother. Family should come first, no matter what. Can’t you set aside your grudges for once? Dad said if you save Hayden, we’ll be a family again. You’ll never be disowned.”
Emily couldn’t help but laugh, a genuine, hearty laugh as if she’d just heard the most absurd joke.
The Johnson family still thought they were the center of the universe, believing she cared about their so-called love and family ties.
“What’s so funny?”
“I’m laughing because you still don’t get it. We’re not family anymore. If you want me to ask Mr. Smith for help, you better show some real sincerity. A hundred million dollars, and you think you can just ask for help without offering anything in return?”
“You!” Aiden’s face twisted with anger, ready to lash out.
But when he met Emily’s icy stare, his voice faltered.
Finally, he sighed in defeat. “Alright, what do you want to help?”
“Twenty percent of the Johnson Group’s shares.”
“Are you out of your mind? Emily, even if we need your help, that’s outrageous! You don’t want Mr. Smith to find out how heartless you are, ignoring your own brother’s safety. Besides, Mr. Smith values you because you’re part of the Johnson family. Without that, how long do you think you’ll stay by his side?”
“Didn’t know picking a woman depended on her family. Your family might be good, but can it match mine?”
A clear voice cut through the tension.
Daniel strolled over, his steps measured and deliberate.
The sound of his shoes hitting the floor echoed like a drumbeat in Aiden’s chest.
Coffee Shop Scene - Revised
Aiden felt Daniel’s overwhelming presence as he approached. The nearer Daniel got, the more Aiden felt like he couldn’t breathe. He even suspected Emily had orchestrated this, bringing Daniel to hear his words. He shot a glare at her.
Turning to Daniel, Aiden quickly plastered on a sycophantic smile. “Mr. Smith, there’s been a misunderstanding. I was just saying that Emily should remember her family’s values and not do anything to displease you.”
Daniel’s expression remained cold, but his eyes were full of menace. “I like Emily just the way she is. And this is how you ask for help? I’m glad she wasn’t influenced by the Johnson family’s so-called values.”
As he spoke, Daniel naturally took a seat beside Emily, their proximity suggesting intimacy to Aiden.
Aiden had always thought Daniel was just toying with Emily. But witnessing Daniel’s protective demeanor, he felt a twinge of unease. He had clearly underestimated her.
“Mr. Smith, I apologize for my words. I’ve always seen Emily as a sister. I worry because she used to be immature. Now that she has you, I’m happy for her but also concerned. Please don’t take it the wrong way. For Emily’s sake, can you help Hayden? He’s been targeted by Zephyria, and they’re demanding a hundred million dollars in ransom, which the Johnson Group can’t raise on short notice.”
Aiden seized the opportunity to appeal directly to Daniel.
Ignoring Aiden, Daniel turned to Emily. “What do you think?”
Daniel was already close to Emily, and his movement brought them even closer. His warm breath on Emily’s face felt invasive. She felt her cheeks heat up, knowing Daniel was backing her up.
Emily stated her demands. Daniel listened and nodded in agreement. He then looked at Aiden. “Emily has laid out her terms. If you want to save Hayden, the Johnson family needs to show sincerity. I will help.”
Aiden’s face darkened. He didn’t dare argue with Daniel but was reluctant to agree. Besides, it wasn’t solely his decision to make. Emily and Daniel waited patiently, leaning back in their chairs.
The pressure mounted on Aiden, and he began to sweat. Finally, he found a weak excuse. “Mr. Smith, I can’t make decisions about the company on my own, especially regarding twenty percent of the shares. I need to discuss this with my father and get back to you.”
Emily laughed mockingly. “I thought you cared so much about Hayden. Turns out, it’s only so-so!”
“Do you understand business? Do you know how many livelihoods are at stake? Shares aren’t given away lightly!”
“Seems you don’t care much about saving Hayden. Fine, let’s go! Emily, let’s leave!” Daniel said, clearly losing patience as he took Emily’s hand to leave.
Aiden panicked. “Wait, Mr. Smith! I misspoke. I’m very anxious to save Hayden. I’ll discuss it with my father immediately and get back to you.”
Watching Daniel’s reaction, Aiden felt disheartened. He turned to Emily. “Emily, it’s twenty percent of the shares. Please, give me some time, as a favor for your mother giving birth to you.”
“Fine, I’ll give you time to discuss and get back to me,” Emily said, softening slightly.
Twenty percent of the Johnson Group’s shares was a significant deal, so she agreed to wait.