Star Actress 172

Chapter 172 

“Ms. Johnson is really laid–back, didn’t ask for anything special.” 

York hesitated a bit before mentioning Terry. “Ms. Johnson has this guy at her place, about her age, pretty good–looking, and seems really close to her. Looks like he’s her assistant.” 

“Got it.” 

Daniel stayed calm, but the way he gripped the newspaper, almost tearing it, said otherwise. 

Just when York thought Daniel wouldn’t care, Daniel spoke up again. 

“Have someone check out this Terry guy. We need to make sure no one with bad intentions gets near Emily.” 

“Will do. I’ll handle that right away!” 

Daniel’s eyes went back to the newspaper, but he didn’t turn the page for a long time. His mind was elsewhere until Emily’s call snapped 

him back. 

He answered immediately when he saw it was her. 

“Daniel, I’m ready. Are you heading out? Should I wait for you?” Emily’s cheerful voice came through. 

“Yeah, wait for me at home. I’ll come pick you up.” 

Daniel’s voice was deep and soothing, as if he were discussing the pleasant weather. It was comforting. 

“Okay!” 

Emily agreed easily. 

Even though she was just next door and he wouldn’t even need to get out of the car, Daniel went inside when he got to Emily’s place. 

York thought he’d go get Emily himself, but seeing Daniel’s back, he realized Daniel probably wanted to meet Terry. 

Too bad Terry was already gone. 

Daniel’s brows furrowed, but quickly relaxed when Emily looked over. 

As they sat in the car, Daniel casually asked, ‘I heard from York that your assistant was here. Why didn’t I see him? Did our plans mess up your chat?” 

Emily didn’t catch Daniel’s subtle probing and replied with a smile, “No, he just left his job and came to vent a bit.” 

“Does he need my help? What’s his line of work? My company is hiring right now!” 

This wasn’t Daniel being generous. If Terry had any designs on Emily, keeping him close would make it easier to monitor. If Terry were just her assistant, it would help Daniel learn more about Emily’s life. 

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“Thanks, but no need. I recently started a company, and he’s the general manager.” 

Emily replied naturally. 

Daniel’s fingers tightened, fighting the jealousy rising inside. She started a company for Terry, which showed that she must really value him! What did Terry have that made Emily think so highly of him? 

Daniel fell silent, but his mind was set on thoroughly investigating Terry. 

Meanwhile, Terry, the subject of all this attention, sneezed. His team immediately brought him cold medicine, tissues, and comfort. 

Even though Terry hadn’t been with the team recently, their progress was still faster than Aiden’s company. But it was slower than when Terry was around. 

This time, they had to keep Terry’s team intact. 

“Alright, alright, I’m fine! Probably just Ronnie talking smack about me.” 

Terry waved his hand, stopping the team’s fussing. 

Ronnie had no idea he was being blamed. 

Back to Daniel. 

Half an hour later, the car stopped at the Smith Villa. This was the Smith family’s ancestral home, the heart of the entire family. 

The car drove straight into the Smith Villa and parked. The butler was quick to open the door and welcome them. 

Unexpectedly, Daniel didn’t head inside right away. Instead, he walked to the other side of the car and extended his hand. 

Soon, a delicate hand placed itself in Daniel’s palm, and a girl dressed in a fresh, bright outfit stepped out of the car. 

“This is my girlfriend. You can call her Ms. Johnson.” 

“Welcome, Ms. Johnson. Please come in.” 

The butler, ever the professional, stayed calm despite his surprise at Daniel bringing a girlfriend home for the first time. He respectfully welcomed them and led them inside, 

Daniel hadn’t mentioned to Emily that today was the annual family gathering. When Emily was first engaged to James, the Smith family had looked down on her, partly due to Yara’s influence, so she never attended these gatherings. Later, as Emily’s reputation worsened, James’s family was even less likely to bring her to such events. 

As soon as Daniel arrived at the Smith Villa, the other family members, though seemingly engrossed in conversation, focused their attention on him. The news of him bringing a girlfriend spread quickly. Many were already craning their necks to catch a glimpse. 

As they entered the hall, everyone except the former patriarch Kai and Daniel’s grandfather, Mason, stood up respectfully. Even Daniel’s 

elders showed deference. 

Daniel wasn’t just the heir to the Smith Group; he was the next patriarch. Their access to resources and fair treatment depended on his 

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word. 

“Grandpa, Mr. Patriarch, Daniel said, leading Emily straight to the two elders. 

Emily felt the scrutinizing, jealous, curious, and disdainful gazes directed at her. She needed to play her role well–not as the perfect future wife for Daniel, but as someone a bit more audacious. This way, any troublemakers would be provoked to reveal themselves. 

Lost in thought, Emily felt Daniel gently squeeze her hand. 

“Grandpa, Mr. Patriarch, this is my girlfriend, Emily.” 

“That’s unacceptable! Emily is promiscuous and unworthy!” 

When someone can’t have something, they often try to devalue and disparage it, hoping to swoop in later as a savior. Daniel had just introduced Emily when a few latecomers entered the hall and heard the remark. 

The late arrivals were James’s family. Upon hearing this, James snapped, losing control and shouting. 

Mason frowned, and Kai looked at James with displeasure. 

“James, what nonsense are you spouting? You drank too much last night and haven’t sobered up. Apologize to Daniel, Grandpa, and the Patriarch immediately.” 

Kade almost slapped James in anger. James was becoming increasingly reckless, disregarding their surroundings and the implications of Daniel’s status, and daring to act so openly. 

Kade quickly put on a smile to explain. As Daniel’s elder, and in front of so many family members, he was sure Daniel would let this slide for the sake of harmony. 

James had never seen Kade like this before. He lowered his head, hiding his resentment. Before he bit his lip hard enough to draw blood, he bowed his head. “Daniel, I’m sorry!” 

Daniel didn’t even lower his eyelids, his presence commanding respect. “You should apologize to someone else, not me!”