Star Actress 173

Chapter 173 

“Sorry, Emily!” 

James forced the words out through clenched teeth, practically growling. 

He was clearly resentful and reluctant. 

Emily didn’t give a hoot about James‘ attitude. She wasn’t bothered one bit. 

She replied nonchalantly, “Since you’re apologizing, and for Daniel’s sake, I’ll let it slide.” 

“You…” 

James was livid at Emily’s condescending tone. He was about to snap back when Daniel shot him a casual glance. James shut his mouth immediately, fear evident in his eyes. 

“Alright, Daniel, it’s rare for you to be back. Come join us.” 

Mason didn’t make things hard for Emily, but he wasn’t exactly warm either. His attitude showed he didn’t think much of her. 

“I’ll head upstairs first. You can hang out here for a bit, Daniel said to Emily before leaving. 

Then he lowered his voice, “If anyone messes with you, don’t hold back.” 

Emily wasn’t one to let herself be pushed around. Now that she was in Daniel’s home, she felt even less inclined to tolerate any nonsense. 

Initially, she thought she’d just ignore any snide remarks and keep an eye out for anyone who might be a threat to Daniel. But with Daniel’s reassurance, she felt no need to hold back. 

Feeling reassured, she smiled slightly, “Alright, you know I never let myself be mistreated.” 

Daniel nodded and went upstairs. 

It was a family gathering today, and the men in charge went to the study, leaving only the younger generation and the women behind. 

*Your name’s Emily, right? You’re pretty. How’d you manage to catch Daniel’s eye?” A lively girl, about Emily’s age, asked with a smile. 

Though her eyes didn’t show disdain, her words carried a sense of superiority, as if she thought Emily was out of her league. 

A middle–aged woman immediately chimed in, “Ms. Johnson, which family are you from? In families like ours, we value matching social status. If Ms. Johnson caught Daniel’s eye, your family must be quite something.” 

Emily chuckled, “But Daniel said, I am who I am. It has nothing to do with my family or nosy outsiders!” 

Her words were almost a direct jab at the two women. 

“Sharp–tongued, is this how your parents raised you? Don’t think just because you’re Daniel’s girlfriend now, you’ll have a chance to marry into the Smith family, let alone marry Daniel.” 

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Chapter 173 

At that moment, an older, elegant woman with a hint of authority spoke up. 

As soon as she spoke, those who had been watching immediately voiced their agreement, indicating her significant influence. 

Emily hadn’t even spoken when someone else said, “Exactly. With such a personality, how could she ever be a match for Daniel?” 

Emily looked towards the voice. It was a well–dressed woman with meticulously maintained hair that shone with a glow. 

She looked to be in her twenties, with sharp eyes. 

Noticing Emily’s gaze, she glared back forcefully, “Ms. Johnson, do you have a problem with what I said? You probably don’t know me since Daniel hasn’t introduced you to everyone. He likely doesn’t think you’re important.” 

“So, let me introduce myself. I’m Daniel’s cousin, Veda. Our family is considering a match for Daniel with Zoey King from the King family. You can ask around; she’s a perfect match for Daniel in looks, talent, and family background.” 

Emily didn’t say a word. 

Instead, she calmly stood up and walked towards Veda. 

Everyone was stunned. 

Someone quickly jumped in front of Veda, thinking Emily was about to get physical. “What do you think you’re doing? Gonna hit someone? Truly ill–mannered.” 

Emily looked at the person blocking her. She raised her hand, placed her palm on their face, and gently pushed them aside. 

“You smell nice,” she said nonchalantly. 

Emily didn’t hit anyone, but to those already biased against her, her actions seemed rude. 

They didn’t expect her to say something like that. 

“Of course, girls from families like ours are well–groomed and use the best products. Veda’s perfume must be the latest and finest, naturally smelling good,” someone nearby sneered. 

Emily’s gaze remained fixed on Veda, 

She was observing Veda’s reaction. 

Veda’s expression remained unchanged, even a bit proud, with no signs of panic or guilt. 

Emily had approached her because she detected a peculiar scent on Veda, somewhat similar to the one from Daniel’s poisoning. 

But from a distance, she couldn’t be sure. 

Now, up close, she was certain. 

However, the scent wasn’t strong on Veda. 

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Chapter 173 

Seeing Veda’s reaction, it seemed she had accidentally come into contact with someone who had the scent. 

Veda noticed Emily staring at her and smiled arrogantly, “If you’re smart, you’d leave Daniel. I might consider giving you some nice things.” 

She truly seemed to believe Emily had never seen good things and was short–sighted. 

Having confirmed her suspicion, Emily saw no need to be polite. 

She sneered, “Really? Do you think Daniel can’t satisfy me, and that I need something else? Also, let me remind you, maybe it’s not that Daniel doesn’t want me, but that I don’t want him.” 

“Shameless! What makes you think Daniel would want you so badly? You’re just clinging to him. Who wouldn’t want to marry Daniel?” 

The person who had spoken for Veda earlier chimed in. 

Veda glared at Emily, suddenly stood up, and raised her hand to slap her. 

In the Smith Villa, as a member of the Smith family, she was always the center of attention. No woman had ever dared speak to her like this. 

Even Zoey, eager to marry Daniel, treated her with respect. 

Veda, partly for Zoey and partly for her own pride, dared to raise her hand. 

She even forgot that Emily was brought here by Daniel himself. 

Emily took a step back; a slight turn would be enough to avoid Veda’s slap. 

She planned to strike first and slap Veda back, but James unexpectedly stepped in front of her, taking Veda’s slap. 

“James, what are you doing?” 

Veda frowned, displeased, and questioned James, who had stepped in to block the slap. 

Her gaze shifted to Emily behind James, “You must be really something, seducing Daniel and now James too. No wonder James reacted so strongly earlier. You dumped him for Daniel, didn’t you?”