Chapter 200: Confronting Others, She's a Professional
"Hey, where you headed? What's going on? You want me to share the good stuff with you, but you gotta make time for that, right? When you coming back?"
Knox felt a bit down after being turned down.
But he was quick to bounce back and asked again.
Emily hadn't said a word yet.
Daniel, standing nearby, chimed in, "Emily, we're here! I made sure to get you some clean clothes. You'll be set for at least two weeks, maybe longer."
This was more directed at Knox on the other end of the phone.
Emily opened her mouth but didn't speak. Somehow, she seemed to understand Daniel's intention.
The car had already parked, and Daniel stepped out first to open the door for her.
At the same time, the door to the Smith Villa swung open, and members of the Smith family hurried out to greet them, having heard the car.
Emily quickly said to Knox on the phone, "I'll fill you in when I get back. I'm a bit busy here, so let's talk later."
She hung up.
Daniel waited, offering his hand to help her out of the car.
"Daniel, you're finally back! Look who it is!"
Veda came running out joyfully, pulling Zoey along.
Because of Daniel's tall frame blocking Emily as she stepped out, Veda didn't notice her right away.
She was busy trying to push Zoey toward Daniel, hoping to create a moment for Zoey to get close to him.
But then she froze, her face full of shock. "What are you doing here?"
Veda's shock quickly turned into anger as she glared at Emily. "This isn't a place for you. For all we know, my grandfather's illness might be because of you!"
"Enough, Veda! Is this your manners?" Daniel scolded, protecting Emily.
Veda immediately felt a bit wronged.
Her resentment towards Emily deepened.
"Daniel, I'm not wrong. Grandfather clearly doesn't like Emily. He's recuperating at home, and if you want to help him get better, you shouldn't bring Emily here to upset him."
Veda protested, feeling aggrieved.
Zoey, witnessing Emily's arrival, struggled to suppress her jealousy.
She dug her nails into her palm to calm herself down.
Trying to appear gracious and close, she said, "Daniel, Veda is just concerned about Mason. She might be a bit harsh, but she's not intentionally targeting Ms. Johnson. Still, I think Veda has a point. Since Mason doesn't like Ms. Johnson, her presence might worsen his condition."
Zoey spoke like a considerate sister.
Veda immediately felt understood and moved. "Zoey, you get me. Unlike some people who are not only shameless but also clueless. I bet she knows Daniel's back because of our sick grandfather!"
That was a clear jab at Emily.
Daniel was about to reprimand her again.
Emily tugged at his arm.
Her soft touch on his skin caused Daniel to pause, feeling a cool, tingling sensation.
He looked at Emily.
She shook her head at him.
Daniel understood she wanted to speak.
He wouldn't really let her be wronged, but if Emily wanted to say something, he'd let her.
Zoey watched their interaction, her eyes darkening.
Zoey stepped forward, "You must be Emily Johnson, right? I've heard about the issues between you and Veda. She's just so in awe of Daniel that she feels not everyone is worthy of him. You won't hold it against a young, innocent girl, right?"
Her words implied that if Emily did hold a grudge, she'd be seen as petty.
Emily smiled at her, "And you are?"
Zoey had met Emily before.
She didn't believe Emily would forget.
Clearly, Emily was being deliberate.
Zoey kept her composure and smiled, "I'm Zoey, from the King family. The King family and the Smith family have been close for generations. Daniel and I grew up together. Mason watched me grow up too, so naturally, I care about his health. Ms. Johnson, I apologize if my request seems unfair, but for Mason's sake, could you leave for today?"
Emily chuckled, "No."
"What gives you the right? You—"
"Veda!" Zoey didn't want Veda's outburst to anger Daniel, who was already looking stern. She quickly coughed to remind her.
Trying to mediate, Zoey said, "Ms. Johnson, why not? Are you really disregarding Mason's health? Veda was just impulsive, driven by her concern for Mason."
Emily smiled calmly, "How do you know Mr. Smith didn't like me last time and won't welcome me this time?"
Zoey's face turned sour. She looked pitifully at Daniel, attempting to explain.
Emily didn't give her the chance and continued, "Also, you mentioned Veda being impulsive due to her age. But I'm only nineteen, probably younger than Veda, yet I don't act as immaturely, do I?
Of course, I understand why you think that way. After all, you do look significantly older than Veda, and your mind does seem quite aged!"
Women often care about their age.
Emily's comment subtly hinted that Zoey was old.
Zoey struggled to keep her smile.
She had seen Emily's sharp tongue before but thought Emily would be more reserved in front of Daniel. She hadn't expected Emily to speak so boldly.
Could it be that Daniel liked this kind of personality?
"Ms. Johnson, I'm magnanimous. Even if your words are unpleasant, I won't hold it against you. Since you're already here, it wouldn't be right to turn you away. The elders and Mr. Smith heard Daniel's return and are probably waiting. Let's go inside."
Zoey held her composure better than Veda.
Despite her dissatisfaction, she quickly found the right words.
She even acted like the hostess, inviting Emily in, as if declaring her status as the recognized wife of Daniel by the Smith family.
Daniel's gaze turned icy towards Zoey.
Emily, unaffected, smiled and linked her arm with Daniel's. "Daniel, since Ms. King insists, let's go meet Mason."
She did it deliberately.
Zoey's eyes were practically glued to Daniel. It was clear she was deeply in love with him.
Emily getting close to Daniel was the biggest blow to Zoey.
Daniel's heart raced as Emily linked arms with him.
Even knowing she did it to spite Zoey, he didn't mind. He even patted her hand, making their closeness seem natural.
"Let's go."
Daniel spoke firmly.
The two of them walked inside, completely ignoring Zoey and Veda.