Chapter 222
“Can you put your phone away while we’re eating? Seriously, no manners. Ever heard of
‘no talking while eating”?”
Veda couldn’t resist taking a jab at Emily.
Emily ignored her, checked the caller ID, and, sticking to the Smith family’s rules, didn’t answer. Instead, she hung up and quickly texted Knox.
Emily: Eating dinner. I’ll call you back later.
This move was a direct challenge to Veda.
She couldn’t help but keep going, “Grandpa, did you see that? Emily has no manners. Imagine someone like her marrying into the family. She’d embarrass us all when Daniel
takes her out.”
Mason didn’t say a word, just gave Emily a long, hard look before turning away.
For someone like Mason, that look alone was enough to make anyone feel the heat.
Veda noticed and assumed Mason was displeased with Emily.
So, she continued with her snark, “You act clueless when called out for your bad manners.
I thought you might have some minor issues, but you’re actually rude and shameless. If it
were I, I’d be so embarrassed I’d leave.”
Daniel frowned, about to step in.
But Emily beat him to it. “If your standards are the Smith family’s rules, then they’re
definitely an eye-opener!”
“What did you say?”
Chapter 222
Veda didn’t fully get it, but she knew Emily was mocking her.
Emily shot back, “You mentioned ‘no talking while eating,’ but haven’t you been the only
one yapping the whole time? What right do you have to lecture others? Maybe you should
handle yourself first!”
Veda’s face twisted in anger, on the verge of losing it.
“Enough, Veda, shut up!”
Mason, furious at the disruption, glared coldly at Veda.
Veda was too scared to say another word.
Emily set down her utensils and said calmly, “I’m done. Enjoy your meal.”
She then stood up and headed upstairs.
Daniel noticed Emily had barely eaten, even though she seemed to like several dishes at
the start.
He had been happy to see her enjoying hersel
But Veda’s rudeness ruined it all.
at the Smith Villa.
“It looks like you need to relearn the rules. Go to the discipline room and stay there until
you’ve got them down.”
Daniel’s words were ice-cold.
Veda’s face went pale at the mention of the discipline room.
It was a place of severe punishment within the Smith family, and she had been there once
before. It was a nightmare.
Feeling both wronged and terrified, she pleaded, “Daniel, I was wrong. Please, not the
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discipline room…”
“I’ve given you enough chances. One more word and the punishment doubles,” Daniel said
coldly.
Though Veda harbored deep resentment towards Emily, she didn’t dare speak again.
Emily, unaware of Daniel’s intervention, returned to her room and called Knox back.
“Why did you call earlier? Was it something urgent?” Emily asked.
Knox didn’t mind her delayed response. Anyone else wouldn’t have received such
leniency.
Quincy, observing from the side, was curious about what made Emily so special to Knox.
Having just returned from a mission, Quincy was unaware of Emily’s recent interactions
with Knox and the special treatment she received.
Knox explained, “The Johnson family is trashing you online, saying you’re heartless for
not saving Hayden and using shares as leverage. They’re trying to play the heroes,
claiming if the Johnson Group falls apart, a lot of people will lose their jobs…”
He sent Emily a post full of accusations against her.
Emily sneered.
So, this was Eli’s move after his threats.
“They can’t seriously think people on the internet today are as gullible as before, easily
swayed by a few comments, can they?”
Emily hadn’t even looked at the link Knox sent, but had already made up her mind.
“Want me to handle it? Most people are rational, but some idiots might still cause
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trouble. I don’t want anyone bothering you,” Knox said, clearly pissed.
In the past, he wouldn’t have spared any member of the Johnson family.
Emily shook her head. “No need. Public opinion is a double-edged sword. They can use it, and so can I, but I might need a favor from you.”
Knox felt a twinge of regret that she didn’t need more help from him. He wanted her to
rely on him more.
But he was glad she finally asked for something.
“Anything you need, just say the word. What do you need?”
“Can you get in touch with the guy behind Hayden’s kidnapping? I remember it’s a man
named Orville Kidd.”
She knew from her past life who was behind Hayden’s capture.
Knox was surprised.
He knew Orville, a man with significant power but a hidden identity. How did Emily, who
had never been abroad, know about him?
He realized Emily was more formidable than he had imagined her to be.
“Yeah, I can. But Orville doesn’t do anything without profit. Are you planning to save
Hayden? I can help with the money, but are you sure you want to save someone like him?”
He didn’t agree with saving Hayden, given how poorly he had treated Emily.
“Giving him money is out of the question! I just need you to see if he can delay for a few
days. At least keep Hayden alive for now. It’s not worth it if he dies and they get nothing.”
She had no intention of paying Orville.
Remembering the trouble Orville caused in her past life, even costing Knox his life…
Her eyes flashed with cold determination.
Orville deserved to die.
She had a plan.
“Alright.”
Knox didn’t question her motives. He supported her unconditionally.
Emily was relieved he didn’t ask for more details.
She didn’t want to lie to him more than necessary.
“Thanks. Just try to buy as much time as possible. I’ll handle things on my end.”
She didn’t elaborate on how she would handle it.
After Emily hung up, she noticed someone standing at the door. She didn’t know how long
he had been there.
She quickly got up, “When did you get here? Why didn’t you come in? Have you been
standing there the whole time?”
This was the room prepared for her, and Daniel had been respectful enough not to enter
without permission.
“I just arrived. I didn’t want to interrupt your call,”
Daniel smiled warmly.
Emily felt warmth in her heart. She noticed the box in his hands and invited him in,
asking curiously, “What’s that?”
