Chapter 197 Secretly "Selling Out" Him
"Vance, what are you even talking about? Daniel coming home to be with Grandpa makes him happy, and who knows, it might even help him recover. I'm just being a good granddaughter, not plotting anything."
Veda had never been a fan of Vance's family, and now that he was badmouthing her, she wasn't about to let it slide. She fired back immediately.
Vance was about to retort when Daniel's cold voice sliced through the tension.
"Enough!"
Daniel's icy gaze swept over everyone in the room.
"I've said what needed to be said. Everyone should behave from now on. Grandpa should be waking up soon!"
With that, Daniel left the room without waiting for anyone's reaction.
His words left the others a bit shaken. They didn't dare say anything further and followed him to Mason's hospital room.
Sure enough, Mason had woken up. He looked towards the door at the sound of footsteps and saw Daniel and the group trailing behind him.
As people age, they long for the company of their grandchildren, and Mason's mood visibly brightened.
"Grandpa, how are you feeling?"
"Grandpa, are you okay?"
Veda and Raina quickly asked with concern.
"I'm fine, just a minor illness. Look at you all, so scared. I guess I haven't been exercising enough. This little setback and you all look like this!"
Mason's words were reproachful, but his eyes were filled with affection as he looked at his grandchildren.
Veda, ever the charmer, pouted, "Grandpa, we were just worried about you. And now you're blaming us? I'm going to be so sad."
"Alright, alright, I know you're the most considerate," Mason laughed, quickly reassuring her.
Veda seized the moment, "Grandpa, you wouldn't believe it, but Daniel was so worried that he decided to move back home. The house is going to be so lively now. Aren't you happy?"
She knew Mason valued Daniel the most, and as expected, Mason's smile grew even more genuine.
Even though Mason had already discussed some plans with Daniel, seeing Veda's reaction, it was clear she didn't know Emily would be moving in too.
Veda and Emily didn't get along, and Mason wondered how Veda would react when she found out. He had a feeling Veda wouldn't be a match for Emily. Emily wasn't afraid of anyone, not even him.
Thinking about this, Mason glanced at Veda with a hint of sympathy, though she didn't notice.
Daniel had York handle Mason's discharge paperwork. After telling Mason he'd come back another day, Daniel left the hospital.
Soren and Vance accompanied Mason out of the hospital. Despite their doubts about the sudden decision to go home, they didn't voice them, given Daniel's earlier words.
Veda, prompted by Raina, called Zoey right away.
"Veda, I was just thinking of calling you to go shopping. Didn't expect you to call first," Zoey greeted warmly.
Veda chuckled, "Shopping is a must, especially since I'm in a great mood. And wait until I share this good news with you, you'll be even happier."
Zoey's curiosity spiked, "What good news? Spill it, I can't wait!"
Veda teased her a bit before revealing, "Well, my grandpa was sick, and Daniel was so worried that he decided to move back home. Zoey, you know what this means. You can come over more often and spend more time with Daniel. He'll definitely notice how awesome you are."
Zoey agreed it was good news, but tried to play it cool, "I'm not just after Daniel. How's Mr. Smith doing? I didn't know he was sick. Once he's out of the hospital, I should visit him."
Veda, knowing Zoey's feelings for Daniel, dismissed her modesty, "Zoey, I know you too well. Visiting my grandpa is just an excuse to see Daniel. You don't have to pretend with me. You like Daniel. Don't worry, I'm on your side. I'll help you get together with him."
Zoey's forehead throbbed with irritation. Luckily, this conversation was over the phone, saving her some embarrassment. Veda's spoiled nature made her blunt, but Zoey decided to overlook it for now, given Veda's usefulness.
"You're the best friend ever, Veda. Thank you!"
"Don't mention it. When you become Daniel's wife, make sure he gives me a bigger allowance!"
"Of course, I'll make sure of it."
——
Daniel had no idea Veda had "sold him out."
After resting at home, he was debating whether to call Emily or visit her in person when York reported in.
"Mr. Smith, someone has been looking into Ms. Johnson's address again. We traced it back to Knox."
Daniel immediately sat up, his eyes flashing with a cold light.
He felt a sense of urgency. He could tell Emily had a natural affinity for Knox, like they were old friends. But what was Knox planning by investigating Emily's address? Was he planning to visit her?
Daniel's eyes darkened. If Knox wanted to find Emily, he would let him. Let Knox discover that the house was bought by Daniel for Emily, asserting his claim.
When Knox arrived and found Emily wasn't there, it would be like giving hope only to snatch it away.
"Don't stop him. Let him find out."
York, expecting Daniel to take action against Knox given his feelings for Emily, was surprised by this decision.
"But Mr. Smith, if Knox finds Ms. Johnson's address, he might disturb her."
"He won't get the chance," Daniel replied, a confident smile playing on his lips.
York opened his mouth to say more but saw Daniel stand, clearly done with the conversation.
Soon, York would understand what Daniel meant.
Daniel wanted to see Emily, so he headed to the neighboring villa.
Violette hadn't gone to bed yet and answered the door when she heard the knock. Seeing Daniel, she felt a bit intimidated despite his respectful demeanor.
"Daniel, you're here to see Emily?" Violette asked awkwardly as she opened the door.
Daniel nodded, "Yeah, and to check on Cloudy and Biscuit. I need to talk to Emily."