Chapter 86 Fool
"Hey, Emily, there's some folks named Bianca and James who wanna see you. They said it's urgent. Didn't wanna make a call without checking with you first," Joe said, flashing a friendly smile.
Emily smirked. "Oh, them? Did they promise you a sweet deal for this favor?"
She was being deliberately provocative.
Bianca's expression faltered slightly. She had expected the renowned doctor to be either an eccentric old man or someone very high and mighty, but she was taken aback to find someone who was young and had a mischievous tone.
Joe laughed heartily, "Oh, absolutely. They promised to supply all the medicinal herbs I might need in the future."
Emily raised an eyebrow, "That's pretty good. But can we trust them to keep their word and not back out later?"
Joe, always the playful one, turned to Bianca and James, "Well, can we trust you two not to go back on your word?"
"Of course! Joe, you jest. The Johnson Group and the Smith Group wouldn't lie about something like this!" Bianca quickly responded.
Emily arched an eyebrow and said, "You can speak for the Johnson Group and the Smith Group? Alright, my phone has an automatic recording feature, so I'll just record this. Mr. Watson, since it's you asking, I'll send you my location. They can come over in an hour."
"Sounds good!"
York, standing nearby, was shocked.
What was going on? Weren't James and Bianca always bullying Emily? Why were they now begging to see her, using the names of the Johnson Group and the Smith Group?
Emily had grown so quickly! It hadn't been long, and she was already turning the tables.
Emily ended the call and noticed York staring at her curiously. She reviewed the conversation in her head and confirmed she hadn't revealed her identity.
"York!" Daniel's voice came from behind, low and authoritative.
York flinched. He had been staring at Emily without blinking and could feel the intense aura behind him. He quickly stepped aside.
Emily stepped forward, "Mr. Smith, I have something important to discuss with you."
"Is it about me? Ms. Johnson, you're very considerate," Daniel's powerful presence softened, becoming warm and relaxed.
Emily nodded, "Yes. I recently noticed something odd about a contestant named Ophelia. I detected a particular medicinal scent on her that matches one of the poisons used on you. Since the Smith Group is hosting this competition, I fear she might be targeting you. I wanted to warn you. If nothing goes wrong, she might win first place."
York, listening nearby, immediately became serious and vigilant.
Daniel, however, showed no emotion, "Thank you for the warning, Ms. Johnson. This is very important."
Emily waved it off, unconcerned.
Daniel, always decisive, didn't even bother to verify her claims. He immediately ordered York, "Have someone keep a close watch on Ophelia. Don't act yet. Let's see what she's up to."
His eyes flashed with a cold, deadly intent that quickly vanished. He turned back to Emily, inviting her, "Ms. Johnson, you've been a great help. It's almost dinner time. Would you do me the honor of joining me for dinner?"
His gaze was steady and intense, making it hard for Emily to refuse. Just as she was about to decline, she found a convenient excuse, "Mr. Smith, I'd love to, but Bianca and James need to see me. I might not have the time."
Daniel wasn't upset by her refusal. Instead, he thought for a moment and then replied, "That's simple. Have them meet us at the restaurant. Since they need a favor from you, making them wait a bit won't hurt."
His status allowed him to speak of Bianca and James as if they were misbehaving children, showing no leniency.
Emily's eyes lit up. That was exactly the right approach. She had been too kind.
After discussing the matter with Daniel, she nodded and said, "Mr. Smith, I'll go to the competition venue to finalize the top three winners."
"Alright, I'll wait for you at the entrance."
As soon as Emily left the room, Daniel's gentle demeanor vanished, replaced by a commanding and intimidating presence.
"Keep a close watch on Ophelia and see who she interacts with," Daniel ordered coldly.
York nodded, hesitated, and then added, "Mr. Smith, the person who poisoned you is very skilled. If Ophelia is connected to them, why not just disqualify her? Even if she places second or third, it would be safer."
If Ophelia won first place, she would have to work closely with the Smith Group, giving her more opportunities to get close to Daniel.
Daniel's eyes were deep and chilling, "If she's really involved, she'll have more plans if this one fails. It's better to 'grant her wish.' If the enemy is in the open and we are in the light, we have the advantage."
York understood the logic but was still worried, "But your health is the priority. I'm concerned..."
"With Emily around, there's no need to worry," Daniel's voice was low and magnetic. When he mentioned Emily, there was a hint of tenderness.
Fortunately, Emily wasn't there to hear it, or she might have felt a shiver.
York opened his mouth but didn't dare question Daniel. He just thought that love could make people blind. Daniel seemed to trust Emily's medical skills too much.
Emily, unaware of York's doubts about her abilities, arrived at the venue and discussed with the judges to finalize the rankings.
When the host announced the results, Bianca, despite knowing the outcome, couldn't help feeling resentful. She approached Emily and Wren, who were talking, and accused Emily.
"Emily, what did you do to make the judges cooperate with you and give Wren second place? Why?" Bianca tried to sow discord between Wren and Emily.
"Wren, do you really think Emily is your friend? If she were, why didn't she get you first place? Don't be fooled by her."
Wren, smart and straightforward, immediately saw through Bianca's intentions. Before Emily could respond, Wren retorted, "What are you talking about? You say Emily can decide the rankings, but then she didn't give me first place? If Ophelia isn't connected to her, why wouldn't she give me first place? Your words are ridiculous."
"Of course, she didn't want to make it too obvious," Bianca grasped at straws, unable to convince even herself.
Emily suddenly leaned in close to Bianca, "Bianca, you're being foolish. If there's any foul play, whose reputation and interests are at stake? The Smith family's, of course!"