Chapter 189: Can We Continue to Cooperate in Acting
"Acting isn't off the table, but I need to know your plan. Any leads on the mole from last time?"
Mason took a deep breath, calming himself.
He was a man who had once held a high position, decisive and shrewd.
Once he understood the situation, he quickly adjusted his mindset.
Daniel felt relieved to see the familiar Mason return.
He could relax, largely thanks to Emily.
He believed she could help Mason recover.
"There is a lead, and Emily found it. The poison on me had a really distinct smell. She's been dealing with herbs for years and knows these scents well. She noticed something odd at the time, so we'll keep digging based on that."
Daniel explained to Mason, deep in thought.
He never expected the mastermind would target Mason too.
Looks like they need to speed things up.
Someone who knows the Smith family well has infiltrated it and managed to poison both him and Mason without anyone noticing.
Mason also realized the Smith family might be in serious danger. When it comes to family, everything else takes a backseat.
So, Mason didn't hesitate any longer and said, "Alright, tell me what to do next, and I'm on it!"
Seeing Mason so cooperative, Daniel's expression softened.
"I'll go back and ask Emily about the treatment specifics, and then I'll let you know what to do. For now, who in the Smith family knows about your illness?"
Daniel asked another question.
Mason didn't answer.
Partly because he was exhausted, and partly because he felt guilty.
He had hidden his illness from everyone.
Daniel had said enough, so he called Zach in.
Zach listened to Daniel's question and replied, "Besides the two bodyguards, it's just Mr. Mason Smith, Mr. Daniel Smith, and me."
Of course, Floyd and the doctors didn't count.
No wonder no one from the Smith family had come.
"Alright, I got it. Call the others and let them know about Grandpa's condition. Watch their reactions and report back to me, Zach. Thanks."
It wasn't a difficult task, so Zach immediately responded, "Mr. Smith, don't worry. I'll follow your instructions and keep a close eye on them."
Daniel left the hospital and went straight to the villa.
He headed directly to Emily's villa.
It was already nighttime, and Violette and the others had gone to bed early.
Emily, being busy, stayed up a bit later.
Hearing the doorbell, she was surprised and checked the monitor, seeing Daniel at the door.
She quickly went downstairs to open the door.
"Are you here to see Cloudy and Biscuit? Cloudy is lucky to have an owner like you!"
Since Daniel had left in a hurry earlier and hadn't seen Cloudy, Emily thought he had come to make up for it.
Daniel smiled and followed Emily to see Cloudy and Biscuit.
The two dogs, perhaps attracted to handsome men, were unusually enthusiastic when they saw Daniel.
Their tails wagged so hard they could almost become propellers.
Emily was a bit surprised. She didn't expect someone as cool and aloof as Daniel to be so liked by Cloudy and Biscuit.
She recalled a saying: animals are very intuitive and can sense a person's nature. If they like someone, that person must be good.
"Emily, can I talk to you about something? Am I disturbing your rest?"
After playing with Cloudy and Biscuit for a while, Emily suggested Daniel take it easy, considering his health.
He took the opportunity to speak up.
Emily thought of the Mason incident she had mentioned earlier. Could he have already found something out?
"Sure, I'm happy to help."
Emily smiled.
She didn't like owing people favors, and it seemed she owed Daniel the most in this life. Helping him would be a way to repay him, so she wouldn't refuse.
Daniel followed Emily into the house and got straight to the point, talking about Mason's poisoning.
"First, I want to apologize on behalf of my grandpa. Because of me, he was biased against you and even said some harsh things."
"I was prepared for that when I agreed to act, so don't worry about it," Emily said, shrugging it off.
Given her past reputation, she couldn't blame people who didn't know her for being biased.
Moreover, she didn't think Mason was a bad person.
Seeing she genuinely didn't mind, Daniel didn't know whether to be happy about her magnanimity or sigh, realizing he had a long way to go in pursuing her.
She didn't care about him, so she wouldn't care about his family's attitude either.
"Did my grandpa and I get poisoned by the same person?" Daniel asked.
Emily nodded and explained their poisoning situation.
"So, the person who poisoned us is likely the same, or at least they're working together. Their methods are quite sophisticated."
Otherwise, they wouldn't have been poisoned despite having bodyguards.
"My grandpa has agreed. Next, we'll need you to treat another person. Name your price, and don't lower it just because we're old clients. My grandpa's health is worth it!" Daniel suggested, looking at Emily warmly.
Emily couldn't help but laugh, "Does Mr. Smith know you're like this? Who raises the price?"
With Daniel taking the lead, she didn't refuse.
After reaching an agreement with Emily on the detoxification, Daniel looked at her deeply and spoke again, "Emily, since it's the same person who poisoned us, and they might strike again, I'll need you to continue acting as my girlfriend. You can stay at the Smith Villa under the guise of taking care of my grandpa. This way, we can prevent further poisoning and possibly catch the mole."
Emily feared that if she really got into the act, she might fall into a deep abyss.
She wanted to refuse, but Daniel's eyes, full of her, made it hard to say no.
Moreover—
Daniel assured, "Don't worry, you'll be paid for this too. Name your price!"
"I can agree, but what about the time frame?" she asked.
She couldn't stay there indefinitely. She had to go to school occasionally, manage her company, and conduct crucial research in her villa's lab.
"You can leave anytime. Of course, the sooner we catch the person behind this, the better."
Daniel's words meant the choice was up to Emily.
To reassure her, he added, "To make sure you don't worry about me going back on my word, I'll draft a contract. I'll have it sent over, and if you're satisfied, we can proceed."
With things said to this extent, refusing would seem ungracious.
"Alright, I agree."
Emily's words made Daniel's eyes light up, quickly hiding the emotion deep within.
His departing figure seemed much lighter.
As soon as he returned, York approached, "Mr. Smith, you were right. James started making moves after going abroad."