Chapter 74: Narcissism is a Disease, It Needs Treatment
"Bianca!" James rushed to her, pulling her into his arms, his voice laced with worry. "What's wrong?"
Bianca leaned into his chest, her eyes flashing with a calculating glimmer.
"I'm fine, James. Probably just tired from last night," she said, her cheeks turning a deep shade of red, as if recalling something.
Her soft words carried a hint of ambiguity.
James's mind instantly drifted to the intimate moments of the previous night. Seeing her blushing cheeks, he felt his throat dry up.
At his age, full of youthful vigor, Emily had always refused any premarital intimacy, making Bianca the first woman he had been with.
James's gaze darkened.
However, considering Bianca's health, he suppressed his thoughts.
Bianca could sense the change in James's body—the heat of his skin, the heaviness of his breath—indicating his desire.
A smile flickered in her eyes.
Having achieved her goal, she struggled to stand, almost falling again, before finally managing to stand up. She gave him a weak smile. "James, I'm sorry I worried you again. I have to go now, I need to catch a flight to Emberfall City. Don't worry, I won't let this... delay anything important."
She tried to walk away with determination.
Although James hadn't promised to take responsibility for her, his eyes were filled with growing affection and tenderness. He grabbed her wrist and pulled her into his arms.
"You're too weak. I'll take you to Emberfall City myself!"
"But I..."
"I promised you, don't refuse! Even if I can't give you a commitment, at least let me do something to make up for it."
James spoke heavily.
Bianca met his insistent gaze and nodded softly. "Alright."
With that, James carried her to the car.
They returned to the Johnson Villa to grab some clothes and then headed to the airport for their flight to Emberfall City.
The Johnson family had been busy these past few days. Eli was occupied with a company design project, Aiden was overwhelmed with AI-related matters, and Hayden thought he was negotiating a major project with a friend, currently planning a trip to Zephyria for research.
Finn was likely participating in some competitive event again.
Chase, who was supposed to return, was busy taking Aurora to Emberfall City for medical treatment.
So, only Cleo was home.
When Cleo saw Bianca and James return to grab their things, she looked at them with satisfaction. Before Bianca left, she gave her a special reminder, "James needs gentle companionship. Be understanding and don't be like Emily. Men like gentle, girl-like women."
The implication was that Emily wasn't girlish.
"Mom, I understand." Bianca lowered her head shyly.
Coincidentally, when they got off the plane, they checked into the same Azure Palace Hotel where Emily was staying.
Unexpectedly, they ran into Emily at the elevator as she was heading out to meet Aaron.
"Emily, what are you doing here?"
Bianca asked in surprise.
James, who was supporting Bianca, instinctively pulled his hand back when he saw Emily.
Emily wasn't the least bit surprised to see them.
"I can be wherever I want. Is that a problem for you?"
She had noticed their intertwined hands and felt a wave of sadness.
Had they already hooked up?
Their closeness was obvious, both carrying each other's scent.
And...
Emily glanced at Bianca's neck.
Bianca, perhaps intentionally, adjusted her collar to reveal the red marks on her neck even more.
"Emily, I didn't mean it that way. I was just surprised. I thought you knew we were coming to Emberfall City, so you came here to see us. You actually care about us, don't you?"
Bianca shook her head, looking anxious to explain.
James, who had initially felt guilty towards Emily, now saw her sharp retort to Bianca and her gentle demeanor. He frowned, displeased. "Emily, can't you speak nicely? Do you always have to talk like this? Don't pretend you don't care. You knew we were coming and followed us here. If you want me to take you seriously, you should listen to me and not make me angry every time I see you."
How self-centered.
He actually thought she came to Emberfall City for him.
Emily felt a surge of sarcasm.
Seeing Aaron enter the hotel, she couldn't be bothered to argue with the self-important pair.
"Narcissism is a disease. If you're sick, get treated. Don't disgust me!"
With that, she brushed past James and hurried towards Aaron.
Aaron had come to discuss a potential partnership with a pharmaceutical company and insisted on meeting Emily since she was in Emberfall City.
"Emily, there you are."
Aaron greeted her warmly.
James, feeling ignored by Emily, was naturally angry.
Bianca quickly grabbed James's arm and pointed to Aaron, who was now chatting with Emily, her smile light and relaxed.
James's face darkened.
Emily hadn't smiled at him like that in ages.
Now she was smiling like that at a man he didn't even know.
So, this was why she had been so difficult lately? Because of another man?
James, without a second thought, wanted to chase after them.
Bianca, knowing his intentions, stumbled and leaned into his arms.
"Bianca..."
James's thoughts were pulled back, and he asked worriedly, "Are you feeling unwell again?"
"It's nothing. I probably didn't rest well and the two-hour flight made me a bit tired." Bianca shook her head gently and even offered, "James, you don't have to worry about me. If you want to chase after Emily, go ahead. She's young and might get deceived."
"If she gets deceived, it's her own fault. She's been so disobedient lately. If something happens, let it be a lesson!"
James, feeling guilty about last night with Bianca, said this deliberately.
Bianca wanted to say more, but James was already firmly guiding her upstairs to rest.
However, even while taking care of Bianca, James's mind was elsewhere.
Bianca could tell, her eyes cold.
James's frown deepened, as if he could crush a mosquito, but he couldn't just leave Bianca and walk away.
At that moment, his phone rang.
It was his assistant, Jace.
"Mr. Smith, Harold Rogers is in Emberfall City. He's here for a new pharmaceutical investment and will be participating in the upcoming medical competition."
Harold was a major investor in the pharmaceutical industry. His presence indicated the importance of the project.
James's Ascend Global Group needed such investors for their transformation. This was an opportunity he couldn't miss.
He also wanted to prove himself to his father, Kade Smith, especially after his mother, Quiana, had made a serious mistake. He needed to outshine his foster brother, Jett Smith.
"Send me the address and his details."
After hanging up, James turned to Bianca. "Bianca, you should rest. I have to go out for a bit."
Bianca nodded, a faint smile on her lips. "Take care, James. I'll be fine."
James gave her a quick kiss on the forehead before heading out the door, his mind already on the upcoming meeting with Harold Rogers.