Chapter 71 She is Sad, Lost the Former James
"James, you back in Silverlight City? I’ve missed you these past few days!"
Bianca sweetened her voice, trying her best to sound soft and endearing.
James softened at the sound of her voice, especially in contrast to Emily's cold demeanor.
"Yeah, I'm back. Sorry for being so busy and not getting in touch," James apologized.
Bianca's smile widened. "James, I wouldn't blame you for being busy. How could I be so unreasonable?"
Relieved she wasn't upset, James got to the point. "Bianca, how good is Emily's medical expertise?"
Bianca's smile froze.
She had assumed James called because he missed her, but it turned out he was asking about Emily.
Emily, always lingering like a shadow. Would she ever be truly gone from James's mind unless she disappeared completely?
Suppressing her irritation, Bianca feigned concern. "Emily might be slightly better than a country doctor. James, there's something I haven't had the chance to tell you. Emily is assisting Floyd now. Lily and I ran into them recently, and Floyd vouched for her when she treated Violette's low blood sugar.
"Emily seems to think she's quite skilled now and keeps trying to treat people. I know she's smart, but medical skills don't improve overnight. I worry she might harm someone, and I've tried to warn her."
"But as you know, Emily doesn't like me. She thinks I'm jealous and doesn't listen to me. James, have you seen her trying to treat someone again?"
Bianca painted herself as a caring sister, while making Emily seem reckless and stubborn.
Naturally, this made Bianca look better, especially since James had just witnessed Emily's defiance.
"Yeah, I saw her at Daniel's place. She insisted on treating him, and Daniel believed her. It's ridiculous. She's become so arrogant and stubborn," James complained.
Bianca grew wary.
Every time she interacted with James, he mentioned Emily, even if it was with disdain.
This meant Emily still held a place in his heart, which was troubling.
She needed Emily to be ignored and forgotten by everyone.
Bianca's eyes flashed coldly as she pretended to defend Emily. "James, don't be too upset. Maybe Mr. Smith trusted her because of Floyd. Actually, my dad saw Emily today with some guys, and not just one. He suspects they’re a bad influence on her and has started investigating."
"I knew it! She used to listen to everything I said, but now she's rebellious. Those shady people must have corrupted her. I'll find out who they are and deal with them!" James said fiercely.
Bianca's voice became choked with emotion. "James, do you think I'm being a tattletale? I didn't mean to badmouth Emily. I'm just so worried. Even if you misunderstand me, I had to tell you."
"Bianca, you're so kind. I'm grateful you told me why Emily's changed. How could I blame you? You're just sensitive and overthink things, which isn't good for your health. Don't worry, I always trust you."
James comforted her patiently, but Bianca still couldn't fully relax.
"Okay!" Bianca replied obediently, then hesitated. "James, I'm heading to Emberfall City tomorrow for a medical competition. I'm really nervous and worried I won't do well. I don’t want my family to worry, so I thought of you. Could you come and support me?"
Afraid she was asking too much, she quickly added, "Forget it, I shouldn't ask this of you. If Emily finds out, she'll misunderstand. I'm sorry, just ignore what I said."
James hesitated, thinking it might not be appropriate. But Bianca's thoughtfulness softened his heart. "If Emily gets upset over this, that's her problem. I'll teach her a lesson. You’re just asking for support, which is normal. I’ll come after I finish some things."
Bianca's smile turned triumphant. "Great, I'll send you the location. See you soon, James!"
"Okay."
After hanging up, James stared at the mansion's entrance. As time passed, he checked the time repeatedly, his frown deepening. Finally, the door opened.
Emily appeared alone. She walked down the road, and James felt a hidden joy. It seemed Daniel didn't value Emily much. Otherwise, he would have sent a driver for her instead of letting her walk and possibly take a cab.
Unbeknownst to him, Emily lived in the neighboring mansion and was heading toward the gate. James got out of his car and followed her.
Emily suddenly stopped. Sensing she was being followed, she tensed, her eyes sharp with suspicion.
"Emily, stop. I need to talk to you..."
Seeing her quicken her pace, James hurried to catch up and grabbed her arm.
Before he could finish, Emily's fist connected with his eye.
James clutched his injured eye, furious. "Emily, how dare you!"
Emily's fist had already landed before she recognized his voice. It was too late to pull back. Not that she regretted it. She was surprised he had the patience to wait for her.
Emily felt no guilt, her cold eyes fixed on James clutching his eye. "You were sneaking up on me. I told you we're done. When will you stop harassing me?"
"Emily, stop talking nonsense. We’re not done. Have you forgotten the hard times we shared?"
"You’re the one who forgot! Those days are gone, like that old house that burned down. Don’t you get it? We've changed. There's no going back!"
Emily retorted coldly, her eyes betraying her emotion. Not for the current James. But for the James who once protected her. Love once existed, but it changes. Today, it remains, but not the same person!
Seeing her eyes redden, James felt a pang of guilt, his anger deflating. Desperate to explain, he said, "No, we can go back. I restored the house, replaced everything that was destroyed."
Emily's eyes flashed with a strange smile. "So, you went into that house and repaired it?"