Chapter 17
A heavy atmosphere hung over the Johnson Villa. Brian violently smashed the cup on the table to the ground, shards scattering everywhere. His face was ashen as he pointed at Sophia and cursed.
"You useless thing! Can't even handle such a simple matter. I told you to get her into Daniel's bed, but instead, you let her escape and offended Daniel. Are you trying to destroy the Johnson family!"
Brian was trembling with rage, his eyes full of disappointment and anger.
If Sophia hadn't volunteered herself, he would never have entrusted such an important matter to her.
Right now, the cooperation between the Johnson family and the Wilson family was at a critical stage.
If it succeeded, Daniel only needed to say one word in front of the Wilson family head, and their partnership could be smoothly finalized.
Now look what happened - not only did it fail, but it was completely messed up.
Sophia was shaking from the scolding, tears welling up in her eyes, but she didn't dare cry out loud.
She hadn't expected Daniel to be so useless that he couldn't even control Emily.
But obviously, she didn't dare say that out loud now.
Seeing her daughter kneeling on the ground, sobbing quietly, Harper's heart ached. She quickly stepped forward, grabbed Brian's arm, and tried to comfort him gently.
"Brian, don't make yourself sick with anger. Sophia didn't mean it. That Emily managed to run away from the Johnson family years ago, so naturally, she's not easy to handle now." As she spoke, she glared at Sophia, signaling her to apologize.
Sophia immediately followed the cue and cried out, "Dad, I was wrong. I'll do better next time. It's all because Emily is too cunning, and that Daniel is completely useless - that's why things got messed up."
Although Brian was still angry, under Harper's persuasion, he finally let out a breath.
"If you can't even handle such a small matter next time, you'll see how I deal with you."
He used to spoil Sophia and Harper, but as time passed, Brian's temper had gotten worse and worse.
"Forget it, I'll go apologize to Mr. Wilson myself. But Emily staying in Emerald City is always a hidden danger."
A flash of viciousness crossed Harper's eyes as she leaned close to Brian's ear and whispered, "Brian, I have an idea. What Emily cares about most are those two kids of hers. If we go after the children, she'll have no choice but to obey us."
Brian's eyes lit up. "Tell me more."
"Those two kids look well-behaved. We'll have someone bring the children over. With Emily's weak spot in our hands, how would she dare oppose us? Then we can not only make her personally apologize to Mr. Wilson, but also drive her out of Emerald City for good."
Harper's smile remained unchanged, but her eyes were full of malice.
Listening from the side, Sophia perked up. "Mom's right. I've been annoyed by those two little brats for a long time. We might as well deal with them all at once, so they don't come after our family in the future."
As if afraid Brian might still have some soft feelings for Emily, Sophia quickly added, "Dad, you don't know how outrageous the things Emily says outside are."
She looked hesitant to speak, successfully arousing Brian's curiosity.
"Oh? What has she been saying?"
"She said... that one day, she'll definitely make the Johnson family pay," Sophia spoke hesitantly, but her words were adding fuel to the fire.
"That ungrateful girl!" Brian was indeed furious, and the last trace of tenderness he had for Emily was completely erased from his heart.
"Then let's do as you say! But this needs to be done cleanly, without leaving any evidence. I'll contact some reliable people. You two keep an eye on Emily, figure out those two kids' schedule, and find the right moment to strike."
The family of three hit it off immediately, completely disregarding that these were living lives, their eyes filled only with scheming and malice.
Harper took the opportunity to hand Brian a cup of coffee, coaxing him gently, "Brian, you're so smart. Once this is done, the Johnson family can advance even further. Then we'll have Sophia marry James - that would be double happiness."
"Mom!" Sophia broke into a smile through her tears, her face showing some shyness.
Brian laughed heartily and pulled Harper into his arms.
Emily and the others were completely unaware of the Johnsons' schemes.
After the two children fell asleep, she lay in bed unable to sleep.
She turned her head to look at Aiden's tense sleeping face beside her, reached out to gently stroke his forehead, and thought to herself, 'If you really are my son, I will never let anyone hurt you.'
While this side was peaceful, William's bodyguards had already recorded every movement at the Johnson Villa and quickly reported back to the courtyard.
In the shadows under the corridor, William gripped the armrest of his wheelchair tightly, murderous intent churning in his eyes.
Anyone who dared touch his people - the Johnson family and Daniel, not one of them would escape.
"Mr. Brown."
Three light taps on the wheelchair armrest, and a black figure flashed out from the woods outside the courtyard wall, kneeling on one knee under the corridor, voice extremely low.
He was William's personal bodyguard, Robert Davis, who had followed him for many years.
He was always steady and ruthless in his actions. Even now that William was blind, he still guarded nearby, not daring to relax for a moment.
"Pass the word - transfer two teams of secret guards to watch inside and outside the courtyard. Also, have people monitor every move of the Johnsons and Daniel. If they show the slightest abnormality, report immediately. Additionally, find out who they've contacted, and set up the trap. Since they want to kidnap the children, let's make sure they never return."
"Yes, I'll arrange it right away."
Quick as the wind, his figure flickered and disappeared into the night, leaving only a slight rustling sound.
William slowly raised his hand, his fingertips brushing over the gauze on his eyes.
Although the investigation into that encounter five years ago wasn't completely clear yet, and he wasn't sure if the person who spent that night with him was Emily, based on Emily's life-saving grace alone, William would never stand by and do nothing.
Inside the room, Emily fell into a deep sleep, holding the two children. Outside the room, William quietly stood guard for half the night.
At the same time, Brian had already contacted a group of desperados.
These people operated in gray areas year-round, ruthless in their actions, taking money to get things done, never asking questions.
Brian paid the deposit and repeatedly instructed, "Move first thing tomorrow morning. The courtyard where she lives is remote - just climb over the wall and take the two children. Remember, work cleanly, don't leave traces. After it's done, I'll double the final payment."
The leader, Jett, grinned, showing a mouthful of yellow teeth, looking particularly menacing. "Mr. Johnson, don't worry. Leave this to us. We guarantee we'll bring those two little brats to you safe and sound."
Sophia stood to the side and couldn't help but interject, "What do you mean safe and sound? Don't be too easy on them. Rough them up a bit if needed, so they won't dare make trouble when they get to the Johnson Villa."
She had long been annoyed by those two little brats - now was the perfect opportunity.