Chapter 196 Almost Forgot Someone
"What?"
Emily was still a bit confused.
Charles awkwardly pointed in Knox's direction. "Oh man, I totally forgot he was here!"
Charles immediately met Daniel's cold stare.
Charles stiffened his neck, trying to look unfazed.
Thanks to Charles' reminder, Emily finally remembered.
Following Charles' direction, she met Knox's gloomy, resentful gaze.
Emily felt guilty instantly. "Uh, Knox, I'm really sorry. I got so caught up talking to the embroidery master that I forgot about you."
Knox had seen how happy Emily was when she came out.
He knew she was genuinely happy and understood her past. He should be happy for her.
So, he really couldn't bring himself to blame her.
But letting it go entirely wasn't an option either.
He purposely put on a stern face. "If you want me to forgive you, it's not impossible. You just have to promise to spend some time with me."
"Knox, that's a bit much. Emily has the freedom to be with whoever she wants. If you can't respect that, then maybe it's better not to be friends," Daniel said, perhaps without realizing how often he broke his usual rules for Emily, even acting a bit childish.
Knox looked at Emily and asked, "So, have I restricted your freedom?"
Emily knew she was in the wrong.
Besides, the Knox she knew wasn't someone who held grudges. He probably had something to say to her.
She apologized to Daniel. "Thank you for helping with Mr. Ward today. I'll thank you properly later. Knox probably has something to tell me, and I did neglect him. He's my friend, and I need to apologize. Can you guys go ahead?"
Emily looked at him expectantly.
She even tugged at his sleeve, almost like she was being playful.
Daniel didn't want to make things difficult for her, and her playful gesture filled his heart with joy. "Alright!"
He agreed without hesitation.
Emily finally breathed a sigh of relief.
Maybe it was because Knox and Daniel were both powerful figures, and their combined presence was overwhelming.
As soon as Daniel left the restaurant, he received a call from Zach.
"Zach, what's up?"
Daniel guessed the call was from the hospital.
"Mr. Daniel Smith, Mr. Soren Smith's family and Mr. Vance Smith's family have arrived. But seeing Mr. Mason Smith's condition hasn't improved, they want to transfer him to another hospital for further examination."
Actually, more than anyone else, Soren and Vance didn't want anything to happen to Mason.
With Daniel holding the real power, Soren and Vance only received dividends and always tried to get more from Mason.
If something happened to Mason suddenly, they feared Mason would leave more to Daniel.
They didn't really understand Daniel.
He wasn't someone who valued material possessions. The companies he owned and his expanding ventures were enough for him to spend freely. He didn't care about what Mason had.
Unfortunately, someone might be encouraging Soren and Vance to keep competing behind the scenes.
"Alright, I'll be there right away!"
Mason's condition had stabilized.
He was just pretending to be sick to cooperate with Daniel.
So, there was no need to transfer hospitals.
It was unclear if Soren and Vance genuinely wanted Mason to get better or if someone was orchestrating things behind the scenes.
When Daniel arrived, the room was chaotic.
Had it been the day before, before Mason received Emily's acupuncture treatment, he might have had another headache.
He was now pretending to be unconscious, waiting for Daniel to handle things.
As the door opened, Daniel's powerful presence silenced the room instantly.
Daniel's cold eyes swept over everyone. "Why stop? Keep arguing."
His voice was deep and icy.
Those who had been aggressive suddenly felt guilty and lowered their heads.
Veda, braver than the rest, quickly stepped forward. "Daniel, don't be angry. My dad and Vance are just concerned about Grandpa. The hospital can't find the cause, and just staying here isn't helping. It would be better to contact a better hospital and doctors, but Grandpa is stubborn and won't listen!"
Daniel sneered. "Where were you earlier? Grandpa got sick, and none of you knew. If Zach hadn't reminded you, would you have come? Grandpa needs to rest. If you have something to say, say it to me!"
With that demand, an empty room was quickly arranged.
Those present had hoped to take advantage of Daniel's absence to persuade Mason, but Mason refused to listen and instead brought Daniel.
Once inside, with the door closed, Daniel's gaze silenced everyone.
"Whose idea was it to transfer Grandpa?" Daniel asked coldly.
Soren looked at Vance.
Facing Daniel, neither dared to speak.
"It was Vance. He suggested it, saying Grandpa's condition wasn't improving, so the hospital must be inadequate."
"Soren, that's not right. Weren't you the one crying about Grandpa's sudden illness, insisting it was something serious and needed a comprehensive check at another hospital?"
Vance argued. "You started it. How can you blame me? No, it was Veda who suggested it. She loves Grandpa and is the most concerned about him. There's no ill intention in that!"
Veda frowned. "I genuinely care about Grandpa. Is it wrong to be concerned?"
She initially wanted to say Raina had suggested it.
But Raina looked at her with pleading eyes.
Veda, being favored, knew Raina was bullied at home and not liked by her parents.
She was genuinely concerned for Mason, and so was Raina.
But if Raina admitted it, Vance would blame her.
So, Veda bravely took the blame.
"Grandpa's condition isn't as serious as you think. Remember that and don't disturb or pressure him about it again, understood?" Daniel ordered sternly.
Soren opened his mouth to protest but couldn't under Daniel's gaze.
"Daniel, you can't let Grandpa be stubborn. We don't know what's really wrong with him, and it's unsettling," Vance hesitated before speaking.
"If you're truly concerned, visit Grandpa more often. And for his health, I'll be moving back to the Smith Villa when he gets discharged."
Daniel didn't mention bringing Emily to the Smith Villa yet. His decisions didn't need their approval.
"Daniel, moving back to the Smith Villa is great," Veda said happily.
It would be perfect to bring Zoey to the Smith Villa. Zoey was so exceptional, and Daniel hadn't spent much time with her to see her qualities.
Once they spent more time together, they would surely hit it off.
Veda's excitement was a bit too much, making her stand out.
Vance couldn't help but glance at Veda. "Veda, you seem to like Daniel a lot. Anyone would think you have plans."
Veda was close to Zoey. If Zoey married Daniel, Soren would benefit even more.