Star Actress 174

Chapter 174 

“Idiot!” 

Emily snapped at James, her disdain crystal clear. 

Ignoring the scowl on James’s face, she yanked his arm, pulling him aside to face Veda head–on. 

“I didn’t need him to shield me from a slap because…” 

Emily suddenly raised her hand and slapped Veda across the face. 

“…because in situations like this, I always hit back. Who wants to be as spineless as him?” 

“How dare you!” 

“You actually slapped Veda. This is insane.” 

The onlookers finally reacted, realizing that Veda had been slapped, and immediately started to berate Emily. 

Veda, who had never been so humiliated, touched her reddened cheek. Instead of retaliating against Emily herself, she coldly glared at Emily as if she were a dead woman and ordered her butler, “What are you standing around for? Grab this crazy woman! How dare a nobody like her hit me!” 

She had already assumed Emily came from a poor background. Otherwise, she wouldn’t be so uncouth. Besides, if Emily were from a prominent family, Veda would have recognized her. 

Upon Veda’s command, several bodyguards in suits quickly entered the scene. 

Many of the onlookers seemed to enjoy the spectacle, but a gentle girl spoke up, “Veda, you did try to hit her first. Maybe if she apologizes, we can let this go. After all, Daniel brought her here.” 

The speaker was Raina, a relative of the Smith family. Despite being less favored due to having several daughters before a son who would inherit the family business, Raina was skilled in making people feel at ease around her. Her words often carried weight, and even now, some people nodded in agreement with her suggestion. 

Veda, though unwilling, was reminded by Raina’s words. “Do you think I’ll let this slap go unpaid? I’ve never been treated like this! An apology alone won’t cut it.” 

James noticed Veda was considering Raina’s suggestion. He shot Raina a grateful look before turning to Emily and grabbing her wrist. “Emily, stop causing trouble. This isn’t the Johnson Villa, and no one can truly protect you here. Apologize quickly while Veda is willing to let it go.” 

He leaned closer, lowering his voice, “Emily, you’re lucky someone is speaking up for you. If you don’t comply, I won’t be able to protect you, and Daniel won’t intervene on your behalf against Veda. She’s the most favored girl in the Smith family.” 

“Get away from me. Your breath stinks!” 

Emily stepped back, creating distance and shaking off James’s hand. 

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Chapter 174 

James was furious. How had Emily become so foolish? Couldn’t she see he was trying to help her? Did she really think she could do whatever she wanted just because she had Daniel’s attention? 

“James, you seem very familiar with her. Is she from the Johnson family, where your former fiancée is from? Or is she your ex–fiancée, a woman who picks up trash?” 

Veda’s words were meant to belittle both Emily and James. After all, if James had chosen a woman who picked up trash as a fiancée, it reflected poorly on him, too. 

The people around them began to gossip immediately. 

“This woman’s got guts. With her background, being James’s fiancée was already a stretch. How did she catch Daniel’s eye? 

Maybe Daniel knows about her past with James. What did she do to make Daniel look at her like that?” 

“Probably her looks, or maybe something in bed?” 

“Watch your mouth! If Daniel hears you, you’ll regret it!” 

Everyone seemed to believe Emily had some tricks up her sleeve. 

Veda couldn’t believe Daniel would genuinely be interested in Emily. 

“Veda. Emily and I…we are no longer engaged.” 

James finally spoke up, unable to bear the humiliation. He added, “Before returning to the Smith family, we were neighbors and childhood friends, which led to our engagement.” 

He didn’t mention why the engagement was broken, knowing that it was his fault. 

Veda seemed to understand. Emily must have clung to their past relationship and, after breaking off the engagement with James, 

somehow latched onto Daniel. 

“Emily, if you want my forgiveness, first kneel and apologize. Second, promise to stay away from Daniel!” 

Veda demanded 

Raina sighed and gently advised Emily, “Ms. Johnson, compared to what you did to Veda, these aren’t unreasonable requests. You should comply; otherwise, the consequences might be more than you can handle. 

She even winked at Emily, as if to say: Be smart and avoid immediate trouble. 

Emily, skilled in reading people due to her medical knowledge, could tell Raina’s kindness was fake. Despite Raina’s seemingly kind words, 

her smile was insincere. 

Emily didn’t expose her but remained cautious. She politely thanked Raina, “Thank you for your advice, but no thanks.” 

Turning to Veda, she said, “What if I refuse all your demands? 

Veda’s eyes turned icy. “If you don’t comply, have my men make her kneel. Let’s see how tough her knees really are.” 

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Chapter 174 

“Originally, I thought kneeling would suffice, but it seems a slap is necessary. You won’t listen otherwise!” 

With that, the bodyguards moved closer to Emily. 

James watched, lips pressed tightly together, worry flashing In his eyes. But he didn’t move. He clenched his fists, thinking that Emily needed a harsh lesson to realize the reality of her situation. Maybe then she’d understand the threats and obstacles she’d face with Daniel 

and come back to him. 

Emily, seeing the bodyguards approach, showed no fear. In front of everyone, she suddenly moved. 

No one saw exactly what happened, but the bodyguards were soon on the ground. 

Emily stood with one foot on a guard’s chest, smirking at Veda. “You like making people kneel? Why don’t you try it yourself?” 

She was about to step towards Veda when Raina quickly intervened. “Ms. Johnson, please, calm down!” 

Veda, now completely losing control, screamed, “You dare cause trouble at the Smith Villa? Guards, where are the rest of my guards? Seize this woman!” 

Veda, who had been maintaining her composure, now acted like a madwoman. 

“What’s going on here?” 

At the top of the stairs stood several authoritative men, with Mason and Daniel at the forefront. Mason, despite his age, spoke with a strong, commanding voice.