Chapter 194 Shameless Daniel
Knox's smile grew wider at Emily's words, a mischievous glint in his eyes as he said, "We've already ordered our food, and it’s just enough for the two of us. Given Emily's advice on being frugal, I’m afraid we can’t share."
It was a clear provocation.
Daniel's eyes narrowed. If it weren't for the fear of scaring Emily, his demeanor would have been even colder.
"Being frugal is a virtue. We weren't planning to stay for dinner anyway, but..."
He paused, locking his intense gaze on Emily. "Emily, I might need your help later. You wouldn't say no, would you?"
The expectation in his eyes made it hard for Emily to refuse.
Knox cursed inwardly. Wasn't Daniel supposed to be cold and heartless? This didn't seem like the Daniel he knew. Using charm to get his way was just low.
"Mr. Smith, you said it was a chance meeting with Emily. Even if she doesn't go, it shouldn't affect your discussion. I'll help her decline since she's too polite to do so. She just wants to enjoy her meal in peace."
Knox spoke up directly.
Daniel frowned but didn't look at Knox. Instead, he focused on Emily. "So, Emily, you're turning me down?"
Emily met Daniel's gaze and couldn't bring herself to refuse. But Knox had spoken up to protect her, and she didn't want to disappoint him either.
"Knox, I appreciate your concern, but it’s okay. It won’t affect my appetite. Daniel has helped me a lot, and I’m happy to help him if I can."
With Emily's words, Knox naturally respected her decision.
Daniel should have been pleased that she was willing to take time for him, but seeing her explain to Knox left him feeling uneasy.
The conversation completely ignored Bianca.
Bianca was seething with jealousy, but with the two men vying for Emily's attention, she knew speaking up might make her a target for their anger.
Without drawing attention, Bianca quietly left.
Emily noticed Bianca's departure but didn’t care. She was in a good mood and didn’t want to deal with unpleasant people or situations.
Daniel and Charles left first.
Charles felt relieved. If he had known Knox and Emily were dining together, he wouldn’t have approached them. The situation almost escalated because of him.
He also wondered how Knox, with his usual crowd and activities, ended up entangled with Emily. It didn’t make sense.
The earlier scene seemed like a minor interruption.
Soon, their food arrived.
The restaurant wasn’t upscale, but the crowd suggested the food was good. And it was indeed delicious.
Emily ate quite a bit, thanks to Knox’s constant offering.
Fearing she'd burst if she ate more, Emily put down her utensils. "I’ve had enough. I'll go see if Daniel needs anything. Are you heading back or...?"
"You know what you seem like?" Knox teased.
"What?"
"A heartless bad woman!" Knox joked.
Emily immediately protested, "It's not like that. We're just friends. Don't say stuff like that!"
Knox's joke revealed his true feelings, but Emily didn't seem to catch on.
Suppressing his disappointment, he smiled. "Alright, I won't keep you. Go ahead. I'll be here when you come back."
Emily nodded and went over to Daniel.
Knox's smile faded, and he lost his appetite.
"Mr. Green!"
Bianca, who had left earlier, reappeared at the table.
Already feeling nauseated, Knox's irritation grew.
"You left quickly earlier. I didn't hold it against you. Do you think you're off the hook? Leave before I get angry."
Knox's icy glare made Bianca feel like she was facing a ghost.
A man like Knox, who had lived on the edge, had an intimidating presence. One look could freeze someone's blood.
Bianca was momentarily terrified, wanting to flee.
But thinking of her goals, she forced herself to withstand his gaze.
"Mr. Green, there's no need to treat me like this. We have no personal grudge, right? Emily is my sister. I know her well and know she's already acknowledged a relationship with Daniel."
Bianca swallowed her fear, Knox's frosty gaze intensifying at her mention of a relationship.
"I'm not trying to sow discord or mislead you. I just don't want you to be kept in the dark. This isn't something I made up. It's a fact. Your brother Charles is close to Daniel. You can ask him, or check for yourself. You'll see I'm not lying.
I'm not badmouthing Emily, but she's with Daniel and still stringing you along. Someone as outstanding as you shouldn't be toyed with."
The more Bianca spoke, the more she felt righteous, gaining confidence.
Knox's gaze remained on Bianca, silent.
Time passed slowly.
Bianca felt sweat soaking her back. She had changed into a more appropriate dress, looking more presentable.
More importantly, she had withstood Knox's pressure.
After a long pause, Knox spoke. "So you targeted me from the start? Pretending not to know me, then recognizing me later?"
Bianca knew there was a flaw in her story, but Charles' appearance had helped cover it.
"I wasn't sure at first. I wanted to try my luck. But when I heard Mr. Charles Green call you, I knew you were Mr. Knox Green. I'm sorry for approaching you that way. I didn't know how else to get your attention."
Bianca's words were more sincere this time.
Knox didn't say if he believed her or not, but his hostility lessened.
"Tell me your purpose."
Bianca was thrilled at Knox's encouraging look. Did he prefer sincere girls?
Suppressing her excitement, Bianca urgently explained, "I need your help to save Hayden. He was tricked into going to Zephyria, and they're demanding a hundred million dollars ransom. The Johnson family can't afford that.
I've heard you have connections there, so I'm begging you. I'll do anything if you can save Hayden. He's my brother. Please, help me."