Chapter 70 He Stands Up for Her
"What do you care where I am?" Emily asked, frowning when she saw who it was.
Of all the people to run into here, it had to be James. She wasn't scared of him, but boy, did he get on her nerves.
James's first thought was that Emily was using Daniel to pressure him into marriage.
His face turned serious. "Emily, how long are you gonna keep this up? I used to cut you some slack 'cause you were young and naive, but this is too much. Apologize to Daniel and come with me."
He moved toward her, trying to drag her down from the second floor.
Emily knew upstairs was Daniel's private space and didn't want to break his rules. Before James could reach her, she quickly came downstairs.
James misinterpreted her actions, thinking she still cared about him.
He reached out to grab her. "Come on, let's go. You can't just show up here whenever you feel like it."
Emily slapped his hand away in disgust and walked over to Daniel. "Mr. Smith, everything looks good upstairs. I'll check your pulse now, and if it's fine, York can get these ingredients ready."
She handed York a list of ingredients.
"Alright," Daniel replied calmly, extending his wrist.
Emily ignored James and sat beside Daniel, her delicate hand reaching to check his pulse.
"Emily, since when do you know medicine? Stop this nonsense," James said, eyes wide with surprise and worry.
He thought Emily had lost her mind. Daniel was a ruthless man, and if Emily messed up, the consequences would be dire.
James instinctively tried to pull Emily away.
"Step aside!" Daniel's cold gaze made James freeze in fear.
The room fell into an eerie silence. Emily focused intently, her long lashes fluttering.
James had never seen her so absorbed in something. He was momentarily stunned, his attention fixed on her.
Daniel noticed James's intense gaze and his eyes darkened.
"Everything's fine. Just follow the doctor's orders," Emily said, releasing Daniel's wrist.
James snapped out of his daze and quickly tried to discredit Emily. "Daniel, she's only learned a few things from a country doctor. She can't really treat you."
Emily frowned but didn't get a chance to speak.
Daniel's eyes narrowed. "Are you saying I'm too stupid to know better?"
"No, I just don't want you to let your guard down because she's my fiancée."
"You're not important enough," Daniel replied coldly, his words cutting deep.
James's face went rigid. Emily almost laughed but managed to keep it in, though her amusement was obvious.
James's face turned even redder with embarrassment and anger. He glared at Emily, who glared back defiantly.
"Let me remind you, it's ex-fiancée," she said.
James was taken aback that Emily would mention their broken engagement in front of Daniel. Was she serious about ending it?
No, she loved him too much to really leave him. This had to be a tactic.
"Emily, keep saying it and maybe it'll come true. But then you won't be able to take it back."
Emily was visibly annoyed. "Can't you understand plain English? We're done. Stop fooling yourself."
"And move, I need to cook."
James sneered. Did she really think cooking would impress Daniel?
"Stop embarrassing yourself. Daniel doesn't need you to cook for him. Let's go," he said, blocking her way.
Emily looked at Daniel, shrugging. "Mr. Smith, as you can see, dinner might not happen if this continues."
"James!" Daniel's voice was sharp.
James stood up straight, looking like a scolded child. "I'm sorry, Daniel. I just know Emily too well and..."
"My guests are none of your concern," Daniel interrupted, his tone icy.
James fell silent, but Daniel wasn't done. "Keep this up, and you might lose your inheritance. And who taught you it's okay to harass your ex-fiancée? Should I call your father?"
"No... Daniel, I'm sorry!" James's face paled.
Before being taken in by the Smith family, his father had another capable heir. If his father found out Daniel was displeased with him, he might lose everything.
"Then leave," Daniel ordered.
"Yes, Daniel. Take care," James said, retreating like a chastised puppy.
Before leaving, he shot Emily a dark look, which she ignored.
After he left, Emily thanked Daniel. "Mr. Smith, thank you for standing up for me."
"No need to thank me. He needed to be put in his place," Daniel replied calmly.
Emily smiled slightly. "He really doesn't know how to behave."
York came in with the ingredients, and Emily headed to the kitchen. Some dishes required slow cooking, so it would take a while.
In the kitchen, Emily worked methodically.
In the living room, Daniel relaxed on the sofa, glancing at Emily's slender figure. The light seemed to cast a glow around her.
Everything felt peaceful.
Daniel's lips curved into a slight smile, his whole demeanor relaxing.
Meanwhile, outside the villa, James's face was dark with anger. He sat in his car, hesitating before dialing a number.
Bianca, seeing the familiar number, smiled smugly. She knew she had James wrapped around her finger.