Chapter 54: Abs, Openly Watching
"Kieran, cut the crap!"
York was taken aback by Kieran's outburst.
Right now, Mr. Smith holds Ms. Johnson in high regard, and Kieran's reckless talk could seriously piss him off.
York quickly intervened, "Ms. Johnson saved Mr. Smith's life. Why would she ever want to hurt him?"
York even shot Kieran a warning look, but Kieran didn't get the hint.
Instead, Kieran asked, "Could the car accident have been something she planned ahead of time?"
"There's a new assignment just right for you."
Daniel, who had been quiet, fixed a sharp gaze on Kieran and spoke calmly.
Kieran immediately perked up, "Mr. Smith, just say the word."
"The Aquilonia project needs someone on-site. You should leave right away."
Kieran's face fell, but after meeting Mr. Smith's gaze, he didn't dare protest and left with his head down.
York shook his head in frustration as he watched Kieran go.
Despite all the warnings, Kieran still didn't get it. He had it coming.
"What's up?" Daniel asked, barely lifting his eyelids to look at York.
"I've taken care of the online news about your accident, but someone is digging into Ms. Johnson's identity as your savior."
"Who?"
"People from the Johnson family. Ms. Johnson was only disfigured and had messy hair at the time, but her family didn't recognize her. She's had a rough time with the Johnson family. Do you want me to do something about them?"
York had discovered how badly the Johnson family treated Emily. This was one of the reasons he had stopped Kieran from talking. Emily had already been through enough and didn't deserve to be the target of baseless rumors after saving Daniel.
"Don't let the Johnson family find out who she really is. Don't interfere too much. She might want to handle it herself." Daniel's eyes darkened as he thought about her transformation.
"Got it."
"How's the investigation into the car accident going?" Daniel switched topics.
"So far, we've found that some relatives from the second branch of the Smith family are involved. They aren't innocent, but there might be someone else behind it."
"Good, keep digging."
Daniel's gaze was intense, his expression calm.
York then brought up the upcoming new medical competition.
"The competition is hosted by the Smith family, aiming to find talented newcomers to research your condition. Given your current health, do you still need..."
York asked, hesitating.
Daniel frowned, clearly uninterested.
York suddenly remembered something, "By the way, I saw Ms. Johnson listed as a judge, and her sister Bianca is a contestant."
Daniel's eyes turned cold as he looked at York.
York swallowed hard, realizing he had forgotten to mention it earlier. He didn't dare explain, just waited nervously, "Mr. Smith, given your condition, do you still want to attend?"
"Arrange it. Since it's for me, I should be there."
Daniel's voice was icy and calm.
York had expected this and immediately complied.
Just as they finished their conversation, Charles called.
"Daniel, I spoke to the doctor. They agreed to continue your treatment at the villa after you’re discharged."
"Alright, I'll be discharged today," Daniel replied calmly.
York was speechless. The hospital had recommended another day of observation before discharge, but he didn't dare argue and went to handle the paperwork.
Charles relayed the news to Aaron, and Emily naturally heard about it too.
She lived close to Daniel, and if not for fear of being discovered, she would have walked straight to the villa.
So, upon hearing the news, she changed her outfit, put on a mask, and went to Daniel's residence.
Emily first checked Daniel's complexion.
Fortunately, the toxins hadn't spread.
She scanned the surroundings, frowning slightly, looking serious as she seemed to be inspecting the area.
Charles watched her, thinking she looked more like she was performing a ritual than treating someone.
"Are you telling me Daniel's poisoning is related to some mystical force?" Charles couldn't help but joke.
Emily rolled her eyes at him, "You should consider writing fiction."
"What?"
"Your imagination is impressive!" Emily's tone was mocking.
Charles was taken aback, "You..."
He rolled up his sleeves, ready to confront Emily.
Daniel gave him a calm glance, "Charles, knock it off!"
Charles realized Daniel was getting annoyed and backed off.
Fine! He wouldn't argue since she was treating his friend.
Emily was oddly pleased to see Charles back down.
Mr. Smith's authority was undeniable.
Emily quickly refocused, instructing, "Prepare a medicinal bath, then undress for the acupuncture treatment."
York immediately went to make arrangements.
Charles was displeased, "Wait, are you taking advantage of this? Last time, he didn't have to undress. Are you just trying to...?"
"Enough noise!"
With Emily's command, Charles found himself unable to speak.
His expression was one of shock and fear.
How did she do that?
He pointed at his mouth, then at Emily.
Daniel could tell Charles was being too talkative, which he had often found annoying.
But he was still his friend.
Daniel's deep eyes turned to Emily, his gaze intense.
Under his gaze, Emily softened.
She explained, "He's too noisy, disrupting my treatment. Don't worry, it will wear off in two hours."
"Alright."
Daniel didn't plead for Charles and even gave him a warning look.
Charles understood and stayed quiet.
"Mr. Smith, the medicinal bath is ready."
York returned quickly.
Emily and Daniel walked to the bathroom almost in sync.
Charles wanted to follow, but both Emily and Daniel shot him a cold look.
"You stay here."
"You don't need to come."
They spoke simultaneously.
York and Charles were stunned.
Their synchronization was uncanny, almost like a couple.
Charles tried to shout after them but couldn't.
Inside, the small space was filled with the scent of herbs, creating a mist that made their figures appear ethereal.
Daniel's gaze grew deeper, captivating.
He elegantly loosened his tie and began unbuttoning his shirt.
His muscular chest was partially visible through the mist, inviting imagination.
Emily usually maintained professional decorum, not even glancing at her patients.
But this wasn't a usual situation.
She allowed herself a few extra looks, considering the rare opportunity.
She was caught by Daniel.
His voice, seemingly cleansed by the mist, was magnetic, "You can look openly."