Chapter 199 Watching the Show, but Ended Up Empty-Handed
"Hey, who're you looking for?"
Violette's reaction to the doorbell was almost automatic by now.
The shadow Rhett had cast over her still lingered.
Daniel and Emily had just left, and the only people who knew about this villa were either from the Johnson family or the Moore family, which explained her wariness.
Knox had found out that Emily was now living with Violette.
Violette's features bore some resemblance to Emily's, and Knox immediately guessed her identity.
"You're Violette, right? Hi, I'm Knox, a friend of Emily's. Is she home?"
Knox greeted her with a friendly smile and introduced himself.
Seeing that he was well-dressed, well-mannered, and pleasant, Violette's initial resistance softened a bit.
But since Emily wasn't home, she responded honestly, "Hey. Emily's not here right now. Since you're her friend, why not give her a call or shoot her a message? She left early this morning."
Knox hadn't expected to miss her.
It was his fault; he had planned to surprise Emily with a visit, only to find her absent.
"How about you give Emily a call to confirm I'm her friend, and maybe let me wait inside?"
Violette remained cautious.
Knox declined her offer, "Since Emily's not here, I'll come back another time. Thanks, Violette. Sorry to bother you."
His demeanor was so gentlemanly, the type that elders would adore.
Violette quickly waved her hand, "Take care!"
Knox smiled as he turned to leave.
The smile vanished as soon as he turned away.
He had planned to call Emily later and ask where she had gone so early and if she needed any help.
Passing the neighboring villa, he remembered his investigation.
Knox suddenly stopped his car and went to knock on the door of the neighboring villa.
York had stayed behind to give Daniel and Emily some alone time at the Smith Villa.
Hearing the knock, York opened the door and immediately recognized Knox.
"Mr. Green, are you looking for Mr. Smith?"
"Yeah, I need to have a word with Mr. Smith. Is he around?"
Knox spoke with an edge.
He didn't need to be as courteous to York as he had been to Violette.
York apologized, "Mr. Green, I'm sorry, but Mr. Smith isn't here. He went to the Smith Villa with Ms. Johnson."
His words were a clear hint to Knox. If Knox had any intentions toward Emily, he might be too late.
Emily going to the Smith Villa with Daniel could easily be misconstrued as meeting the parents.
Knox's eyes turned cold.
He knew York's words were deliberate. Even though Emily and Daniel's relationship hadn't reached that point yesterday, it still stung.
Knox gave York a chilling look, "Does Daniel know you're this loyal?"
York sensed the danger in Knox's words but, being Daniel's man, he smiled, "Mr. Smith is well aware. Of course, if Mr. Green could put in a good word for me with Mr. Smith, I'd be very grateful!"
Knox didn't expect York to be so smooth.
He snorted, "I didn't realize Daniel's subordinates were so slick. They say a leader's subordinates reflect their leader. I guess Daniel's cold demeanor is just an act!"
With that, he stormed off.
After Knox left, York wiped his brow, though there was no sweat.
Knox's presence was indeed intimidating.
He quickly sent a message to Daniel.
York: [Mr. Smith, Mr. Green came looking for you. When he found out you weren't here, he left. I saw him coming from Ms. Johnson's villa. He probably went there first and, finding her not home, decided to come here.]
Daniel was sitting quietly in the car with Emily.
They hadn't spoken, but the atmosphere was warm and harmonious.
The morning sunlight, bright and gentle, streamed through the window, casting a sacred glow on their faces.
In the enclosed space, Emily's faint fragrance made Daniel feel refreshed as he closed his eyes and inhaled deeply.
The phone's vibration pulled him back to reality.
Daniel frowned slightly.
He hoped the message was important; otherwise...
Reading the content, his mood darkened.
He had predicted Knox would act quickly, and he was glad he had taken Emily away beforehand.
York's second message described Knox's reaction to hearing about Emily and Daniel going to the Smith Villa, even noting Knox's expression.
Daniel's frustration eased a bit.
He replied to York: [Good job. Double salary this month!]
Daniel put away his phone, his gaze flickering as he hesitated on how to bring up Knox and learn more about Emily's relationship with him.
Just then, Emily's phone rang.
Daniel's words were cut off as he glanced at the caller ID: Knox!
His eyes flashed coldly.
Knox was persistent. Even knowing Emily might be meeting Daniel's family, he still called. What was he trying to do?
Emily, unaware of Daniel's thoughts, answered Knox's call naturally.
"Hey, Knox. What's up?"
Her tone was casual, with no hint of intimacy.
Daniel felt slightly reassured.
"Emily, I went to see you today, but you weren't home. I wanted to take you to see something interesting. Such a shame we missed it!"
Knox's tone carried a hint of regret and a touch of wistfulness.
Emily was surprised, "You came to see me? Where? What was it you wanted to show me?"
"Your place!"
Knox answered without hesitation, "Don't ask how I found your address. You know my skills. Finding out where you live was easy! It's just a pity you weren't home for my first visit."
Emily trusted Knox and wasn't upset at all.
"Sorry, I had something to do today. Why didn't you call me first to avoid a wasted trip? What was it you wanted to show me?"
"It was something you'd find interesting. Do you have time later? I can pick you up after you're done."
Knox was probing to see how long Emily would be at the Smith Villa.
Daniel, hearing the lengthy conversation, caught bits and pieces of it.
He deliberately cleared his throat and said to Emily, "We're almost there."
Emily, thinking of checking with Daniel about possibly seeing what Knox had planned, met his gaze and reconsidered.
Feeling it might be inappropriate, she apologized to Knox, "I don't think I'll have time today. Why don't you watch it and tell me about it later?"
Knox agreed, though disappointed, and they ended the call.
Daniel's eyes flickered with a mix of emotions as they continued their drive.