Chapter 54 The Perfect Person to Take My Frustration Out On
The last time John had found Emily's sudden appearance with a paternity test to claim kinship with George too suspicious, he'd shared his concerns with Andrew and asked him to investigate.
Sophia was a family they'd watched grow up since childhood. No matter how viciously they'd fought each other over the past seventeen years, they wouldn't tolerate outsiders scheming against or bullying her.
Besides, they knew Sophia too well—her personality, her methods, her way of handling things.
Having a stranger with unknown motives suddenly move into their house could completely derail their plans.
"I've already sent people to investigate, but we still can't trace who gave her that paternity test," Andrew said coolly, seeming indifferent to the matter.
But John knew better. Andrew was the type who could appear completely unruffled even if the sky was falling, when in reality he was deeply troubled by this situation.
"We've never even seen that paternity test report. If we knew which hospital issued it, we might be able to find some clues."
John's eyes glinted with cunning, his meaning clear—they needed to go home and dig up that document.
Andrew tossed aside the files on his hospital table and folded them away. "Since our scheme against Sophia failed, this is the perfect person to take my frustration out on. Call the doctor. I'm checking out."
John gave him an OK gesture, grabbed the files, and raised his voice dramatically, "Andrew, you're hurt this badly and you're still trying to run the company? The Smith family has more than one son—why should you be the one making all the decisions? Your legs's all busted up, so just lie here! From now on, I'm going to be Smith Group's CEO!"
The employees waiting outside felt their hearts leap into their throats. If that maniac John took over decision-making, would the Smith Group even survive?
The company would go under in less than two months!
Seeing John swagger out carrying those files, the employees swarmed into the hospital room.
"Mr. Andrew Smith, you absolutely cannot let Mr. John Smith get involved in company affairs! Thousands of employees throughout the corporation are counting on you. Please think of something!"
Andrew pressed his lips together. "Help me with the discharge paperwork."
"Right away! I'll get the doctor immediately!"
"I'll get you a wheelchair!"
"I'll arrange transportation!"
Emily was completely baffled about why Andrew and John, who had avoided coming home for so long, suddenly decided to return after their fight.
Whatever the reason, this was a golden opportunity for her.
If she could build sibling bonds with Andrew and John and earn their acceptance, she'd be the true heiress. What would Sophia matter then?
She put on her most appropriate smile, though it carried more than a hint of eagerness to please, and hurried forward with light steps. "Andrew, John, how are you both recovering?"
Andrew shot her a cold glance and said nothing.
His assistant, reading the room perfectly, wheeled Andrew straight to his room.
Emily's smile grew stiff. It had been the same at Silver Fir Academy—Andrew only had eyes for Sophia while completely ignoring her, his actual sister.
"Emily, long time no see." John flashed a wicked grin, hands casually tucked in his pockets, his whole demeanor radiating rebellious arrogance.
Emily quickly recovered, suppressing her inner fear of John and curving her lips into a sweet smile. "John, I'm so sorry about what happened at the family recognition banquet. I was just so startled."
"No worries, it's all in the past." John's eyes always carried a hint of mischief, and combined with his devastatingly handsome face, it made him impossible to truly hate.
Emily lowered her head and said softly, "I'm just glad you don't blame me, John. I'm still new to this social circle and not used to it yet. I've made so many embarrassing mistakes."
She found John wild and unpredictable, but rather than clash head-on with the stone-faced Andrew, wouldn't it be better to start with John?
She continued, "Mom and Dad are rarely home, my classmates don't seem to like me much, and Andrew doesn't seem to care for me either. You don't dislike me too, do you?"
John's lips curved upward. "Of course not, you're our sister, after all. Andrew's just stubborn. Sophia was with him for seventeen years, so naturally, he's a bit biased toward her. But you're the one with actual blood ties. As long as you appeal to his interests, he'll come around eventually."
Emily's eyes lit up instantly, looking at John with anticipation. "Really? John, could you help me?"
"He and I have never gotten along, so my help would only make him resent you more."
John paused, watching Emily's expression dim, then continued with an amused smile, "But you are my sister, and I do want you to fit into this family quickly. Andrew collects master calligraphy pieces. I heard that Benjamin, the reclusive calligraphy master, has moved back to the city. If you could get one of Benjamin's pieces to give to Andrew, he'd definitely see you in a new light."
As a calligraphy master, Benjamin held great prestige in the art world. News of his move to the city had spread quickly, and suddenly, everyone in Emerald City was trying to track down his new address.
Benjamin had been in seclusion for years, and now that he had suddenly moved to the city, the elite families were practically breaking down doors to express their admiration for art and reverence for Benjamin, hoping for a chance to acquire some of his works.
The more precious and hard-to-obtain something was, the more worth pursuing it became.
These people had more money than they knew what to do with—chasing wealth could no longer satisfy their vanity. Hanging a few priceless calligraphy pieces at home would showcase their refined taste while demonstrating their influence.
Since Benjamin and Sophia were close friends, if Emily went through all the trouble to find Benjamin's new residence only to be thrown out, it would be quite the spectacle!
John's suggestion was purely meant to toy with Emily like a circus monkey.
Having only met twice, Emily had no idea what schemes this notorious troublemaker was plotting. She actually thought John was genuinely trying to help her.
She nodded eagerly, beaming with delight. "Thank you, John! I'll go find Benjamin right away!"
John watched Emily's excited figure retreat, his expression instantly turning cold.
He'd already told her he and Andrew didn't get along. How could she possibly think he'd give her sincere advice?
So stupid. Really, no fun at all.
Unlike Sophia, fooling clever people was so much more entertaining.
"Beth." John turned to look at his aide standing nearby. As she quickly approached, he lowered his voice and asked, "That paternity test Emily brought with her when she came—where did they put it?"
...
Emily rushed back to her room and immediately pulled out her phone to message someone saved in her contacts as 'River' on Facebook.
Emily: [I heard Andrew likes calligraphy and paintings. I want to buy one of Benjamin's pieces to give him. Do you think that would work?]
River: [You definitely need to build a good relationship with Andrew, or Sophia could return to the Smith family and take your place at any time. I'll help you find Benjamin's new address. Good luck.]