Chapter 68: Without Hesitation
"Dad, don't you think Mr. Reyes' attitude towards Emily is a bit odd? And Byron's reaction seemed off too."
Bianca, sitting in the living room sipping tea, replayed the scene from earlier in her mind. Something felt off, and she couldn't help but lower her voice as she spoke to Eli.
Eli frowned slightly. "What do you mean?"
He had sensed something was off too, but couldn't quite put his finger on it.
"Dad, don't think I'm overthinking this, but Mr. Reyes didn't seem angry or like he hated Emily. And Byron seemed a bit afraid of Emily. Could it be that Mr. Reyes has taken a liking to Emily? That would explain Byron's reaction..."
"Stop it!"
Eli cut her off before she could finish. It was the first time he had used such a stern tone with her. "Isaac might appreciate beauty, but he's not an idiot. How do you think the Reyes Group got so successful if he was?"
"From now on, you need to be careful about what you say, especially since you're a girl. Talking like this about your elders and your sister could damage your reputation if it gets out. Do you get that?"
Eli glanced around cautiously, worried that Isaac, who had stepped out to take a call, might return and overhear.
Bianca felt a bit uncomfortable being scolded, but she wasn't unreasonable. She quickly replied obediently, "I get it. I was just worried that Emily might be going down the wrong path and got anxious."
She hoped Eli was more concerned about her reputation and not starting to care about protecting Emily.
Bianca lowered her gaze, hiding the cold glint in her eyes.
Just then, Emily opened the door and walked out, with Byron following closely behind.
"Byron, are you feeling better? That's great! I knew you were just troubled. We should have had Emily come and apologize to you sooner. A troubled heart needs a heartfelt remedy."
Bianca thought to herself that Byron, usually so spoiled and unreasonable, had faked his illness so convincingly. She believed she had correctly guessed that Byron was pretending to be sick. So, while she seemed to be concerned about Byron's health, she was subtly blaming Emily for not coming to apologize sooner.
If Byron had been pretending, he would likely harbor immense resentment towards Emily for putting himself through such an act. But unfortunately, she was wrong.
Byron was furious at Bianca's insinuations, worried that Emily might misunderstand.
He scoffed, "Isn't it your fault? You always act pitiful, crying and implying that Emily bullies you. How could I go after Emily? Tell me, exactly how has Emily bullied you? Name one specific instance!"
Byron's mind suddenly cleared. If Emily were truly as formidable as she was reputed to be, she wouldn't need petty tricks to make someone suffer. She could easily make someone's life miserable with a single move.
Emily raised an eyebrow, surprised by Byron's unexpected defense.
"Oh? So, Bianca, you've been spreading lies about me? Tell me, how exactly have I bullied you? I was wondering why people disliked me everywhere I went. Turns out it's all thanks to you, Bianca!"
Emily's gaze bore into Bianca, as if seeing right through her.
Eli was taken aback. Byron had no reason to lie about this. But then again, Emily had often bullied Bianca, which was why he disliked her so much.
"Byron, I didn't. You've misunderstood. I've never said Emily bullied me. You misunderstood. I just felt sorry for her because of her past experiences."
Bianca's eyes reddened, and she looked at Byron with tear-filled eyes. In the past, this would have softened his heart, but now he felt nothing but irritation.
Women should be like Emily, someone worth his attention.
As he thought about it, Byron realized that those he had "bullied" had all supposedly "bullied" Bianca first. The more he thought about it, the more he felt he needed to investigate. He didn't want to be played for a fool.
"Keep pretending. You think I'll fall for it again? Too bad, I see through you. Leave now. You're not welcome here."
"Byron, you haven't fully recovered, and you misunderstand me. I don't blame you. I'll leave so you don't get more upset."
Bianca dug her nails into her palms, hiding her hatred. What had Emily done to change Byron's attitude so drastically? Had she seduced him while they were alone? No wonder Emily had kicked her and Eli out.
This wretched girl had learned to seduce men. Bianca knew she had to be more careful with Emily in the future.
"Dad, since Byron is feeling better, we can rest assured. Let's go home," Bianca urged Eli.
Turning to Emily, she said deliberately, "Emily, are you staying to keep Byron company, or are you coming with us?"
She said this on purpose, hoping to stir suspicion in Eli's mind given Byron's sudden change in attitude.
Eli narrowed his eyes, scrutinizing Emily but didn't scold her as Bianca hoped. Instead, he smiled and said, "Isaac, it seems the kids have made up. Let Emily stay and keep Byron company. It might help him recover faster."
He had been considering who to arrange a marriage with. Now, Byron seemed like a good choice. This way, the three percent loss from today's project could be recouped once Emily married into the Reyes family.
Isaac, perceptive as ever, immediately understood Eli's intention but knew better than to aim too high.
Byron, happy to keep Emily around, quickly agreed, "Sure, Emily can stay. I'll take good care of her."
He had noticed Emily's interest in racing and thought it would be a good opportunity to impress her with his skills.
Eli, thinking Byron had taken a liking to Emily, laughed heartily and prepared to leave with Bianca.
"Wait!"
Byron called out, remembering something important just in time.
Eli turned back, puzzled. "Byron, is there something else? If it's about Emily, you can arrange it however you like."
Emily's eyes sharpened. This was her father, Eli, ready to give her away without hesitation. She was glad she no longer had any expectations from him. Otherwise, the pain would have been unbearable.