Chapter 31: There May Be Another Reason Behind the Debt
Violette's eyes flashed with panic and embarrassment.
She instinctively tugged at her sleeve, trying to cover the bruises on her arm.
"Emily, no, I fell by accident. He didn't hit me," Violette explained desperately.
She seemed to forget that Emily had medical training and could easily tell the difference between injuries from a fall and those from being beaten.
Maybe she also thought Emily's skills weren't that good and that she just happened to know about her low blood sugar.
Emily didn't push Violette to admit anything. Maybe she thought it would be too humiliating for Violette to talk about domestic abuse in front of her.
"Emily, maybe I should just go back home. Can you drop me off at the bus stop?" Violette hesitated for a moment, then nervously suggested.
"Violette, are you in such a hurry to go back because you want to borrow money from someone else? If that's the case, I can help you!"
In her past life, Emily had investigated Violette's situation after her death and learned that Violette had come to the Johnson Villa for help because of money. Unfortunately, the Johnson family was busy with a partnership with the Green family and AidenAi's research, and Emily had missed the chance to help her.
Violette had tried to borrow money for her husband, Isaiah.
Isaiah had secretly taken out a high-interest loan.
The lender threatened Isaiah, saying if he didn't repay, they would come to collect the debt in person. They also said if Isaiah couldn't repay, he would go to jail.
Whether he'd actually go to jail was uncertain.
That's why Violette was so anxious.
In the past life, Violette hadn't managed to borrow the money, and somehow, Isaiah had repaid it and ended up living happily with another woman.
"No, where would you get that kind of money? I'll figure it out myself. You don't need to worry," Violette said, thinking about the hundreds of thousands of dollars needed and assuming Emily couldn't possibly have that much.
She was afraid Emily would try to help her even if she didn't have the money herself.
"Violette, have you ever doubted it?"
"Doubted what?"
"Isaiah. How did he borrow that money, and what did he do with it? If he gambled it away, aren't you afraid this will become a bottomless pit, dragging you, Sofia, and Atticus down with him?"
Gambling can ruin lives.
And it's a hard habit to break!
"No, it can't be! He just went into business with someone, and they lost money!"
Violette's face turned pale, but she still didn't want to believe it.
Emily was just planting a seed of doubt. When she found out the truth, she hoped Violette would quickly decide to divorce Isaiah.
So she didn't rush to convince Violette.
In the meantime, Emily's car arrived at the gates of Serenity Grove.
The guard saluted and let them in.
Violette was puzzled about why Emily had brought her here.
It wasn't until they entered Emily's home, and Biscuit greeted them with a wagging tail, that Violette realized Emily owned the villa.
"Emily, is this your house? Or did your fiancé buy it for you?" Violette hesitated but asked.
"I bought it myself." Emily smiled confidently. "So, Violette, I can help you. I have the means. But it might take a few days."
Violette was shocked and couldn't find the words to question her anymore.
But a few days...
She thought about the debt collectors who would come knocking and felt worried.
"If you're worried about Atticus and Sofia, they can stay here for a while. As for Isaiah, whatever his reason was, he hid the debt from you. He needs to face the consequences so he doesn't make the same mistake again!"
Emily's eyes glinted coldly.
Helping him repay the debt? Not a chance!
And hitting Violette? She'd find a way to deal with him.
Violette was eventually persuaded.
The simple-hearted Violette couldn't sit still in the villa. She felt uneasy doing nothing.
So she busied herself, cleaning and cooking.
Emily didn't stop her, thinking it might make Violette feel more at ease.
Violette noticed another dog, a Border Collie, cowering in the corner, looking timid.
"Emily, why do you have two dogs?" Violette wasn't trying to interfere, just worried that Emily was too busy.
Emily was about to explain when the doorbell rang.
She frowned.
She hadn't told anyone she moved here. Who could it be?
When she opened the door, she found herself looking into a pair of deep, dark eyes.
Her face showed a brief flicker of surprise.
"Mr. Smith, what brings you here?" Emily's voice softened instinctively in front of Daniel's imposing presence.
Daniel was slightly different from his usual self.
Coming to someone's house uninvited required a bit of warmth.
He tried to appear more approachable. "I had some dog food delivered and brought a professional dog caretaker."
He stepped aside slightly, and Emily saw the professional behind him, holding a large bag of dog food.
She remembered the matter at hand.
Dogs take after their owners!
Biscuit could be as rough as she was.
Daniel's dog, however, had a more luxurious life and couldn't be compared.
"I'm sorry, I've been so busy I forgot."
She started to make small talk, about to ask about his health.
But she remembered her current role wasn't as a doctor and swallowed her words.
She stepped aside, inviting them in.
Cloudy, who had been hiding, perked up at Daniel's voice and ran out.
"Emily, the dog ran out..." Violette had been wondering why the dog seemed so scared and worried it might be sick. But seeing it run out, she chased after it.
She saw Daniel coming in.
A stranger!
With such a strong presence.
Violette was a bit scared but couldn't help but study him.
After all, Emily was so young.
This man suddenly showing up made her worry for Emily.
"Violette, this is Mr. Smith. He lives nearby and came to check on his dog, Cloudy. He's not well enough to care for it, so it's staying with me. And this is a professional dog caretaker."
Seeing Violette's unease, Emily quickly explained.
Then she introduced Violette to Daniel.
"Mr. Smith!"
Violette's eyes widened.
She had heard of this Daniel.
He was James's uncle. Was that why they knew each other?
Or did James know Emily lived near Daniel and asked him to look out for her?
"Please, call me Daniel," Daniel greeted warmly, lowering his stature.
He placed himself in the position of a junior.
Violette didn't dare.
Daniel was known for his ruthless efficiency.
Even though he was polite, Violette was still nervous.
Luckily, Daniel seemed to just check on the dog and leave.
The professional stayed behind.
Violette relaxed and pulled Emily aside. "Emily, when did you get so close to Mr. Smith? Did James ask him to look out for you?"
Emily hesitated but decided to tell the truth. "Violette, it has nothing to do with James. I met Mr. Smith by coincidence. James and I are no longer engaged."