Chapter 28

As Daniel had predicted, after buying the medicine, Emily returned to Serenity Grove.

She didn't know much about taking care of a dog. so she looked it up online.

Dogs needed to be walked.

After finishing some materials for her major change and some published papers, she took the dog out for a walk.

Then...

"Hey, fancy seeing you here!"

It was Daniel speaking.

He seemed to be in better spirits, less cold and more approachable. Emily's gaze fell on the dog he was holding, which seemed to be trembling.

"Yeah, what a coincidence. Are you walking your dog too? Did you just get it?" Emily nodded, but her question was unexpected.

Daniel seemed momentarily flustered under her gaze.

He tightened his grip on the leash and asked, "How did you figure that out?"

He didn't deny it, and he didn't confirm it either..

"I have a keen sense of smell, and you don't smell like a dog.

"Well..."

Daniel coughed lightly. He almost choked. Emily realized her words sounded like an ínsult.

"Sorry, I meant..."

"No need to explain, Ms. Johnson, I get it!" Daniel's expression was calm, but there seemed to be a hint of amusement in his deep eyes.

He didn't seem angry.

Emily nodded, "That's great. As long as you understand. But you should return the dog or find someone else to take care of it. Your health isn't suitable for keeping a dog."

Daniel was speechless.

For the first time, he almost couldn't control his expression.

He lowered his eyes, suppressing his emotions.

The atmosphere seemed to become awkward. Emily thought he was sad.

It seemed he really liked dogs. No wonder he greeted her the first time he saw her walking a dog.

After all, this was the mysterious and enigmatic Daniel.

Just as Emily was thinking about how to comfort him.

Daniel suddenly looked up at her, "This dog is very important to me. I want to see it often. Could you help me take care of it?"

What?

Luckily, the butler didn't hear Daniel's words.

Otherwise, he would be utterly confused.

It was just a dog bought from the market. How did it suddenly become so important? He had taken care of Daniel for so many years and never knew he was a dog lover!

Emily was a bit conflicted, "Mr. Smith, I just adopted a dog myself and don't know much about taking care of dogs. If I don't do a good job, it might not be appropriate. Besides, I'm quite busy."

The dog she adopted was meant for Liam to take care of when he came back.

Daniel's deep eyes seemed to darken.

It made Emily feel guilty for refusing.

Ridiculous!

This was Daniel. How could he have such an expression?

It must be her imagination. But then Daniel said in a deep voice, "Don't worry about that. I'TI arrange for a professional dog caretaker to help, who can also take care of your dlog. I just want to see Cloudy often." Cloudy was the name of Daniel's dog.

"Besides, if you don't have time, the person I arrange can make up for that!" Daniel added.

Emily thought about it.

It seemed like a good idea.

At least it was responsible for the dog she adopted, Biscuit.

No wonder Daniel's dog had such a good name. Unlike her, she named her dog so casually.

Maybe,just like her, growing up like a weed, she had grown up.

After they reached an agreement, Emily took Biscuit back home. Daniel watched her and Biscuit's backs, his eyes dark and unreadable.

The veins on the back of his hand became more prominent.

After she got home, she received a call from Violette.

She had blocked Eli's number.

So only Violette could reach her.

As soon as the call connected, Eli's voice came through, "Why haven't you come back yet? Did you mess with Bianca today? You're so thoughtless. Get back here and apologize to Bianca. If she gets sick, I won't forgive you."

Emily frowned, about to retort.

But then she heard Violette's voice, "Eli, Emily is your daughter too.How can you talk to her like that? I was there, and Emily didn't bully Bianca. Even if you care about Bianca, you shouldn't be so biased."

Violette then quickly said to Emily, "Emily,don't listen to your dad.He's just being unreasonable. You don't need to come back. Fll leave the Johnson Villa after I finish here, and I'll contact you then."

She had originally thought of persuading Eli to treat Emily better and have Emily come back to get along with the family.

After all, family grudges should not last overnight.

Seeing Eli's attitude now, she understood why Emily preferred to stay away. It broke her heart.

She even thought of arranging for Emily to live with her daughter,Sofia Moore,once her own matters were settled.

"Dad, it's my fault, not Emily's. I was anxious and said something inappropriate, which upset Floyd. Emily didn't bully me or say anything harsh to Floyd." Bianca's voice was hoarse from crying as she hurriedly explained.

But the more she did. the more it made the family feel sorry for her.

Eli's tone towards Violette was cold and forceful, "Violette, you're here to ask for my help, right? I thought you came to lecture me.Bianca is our treasure. If you want our help, be good to Bianca,not defending that ungrateful Emily."

"Eli!" Violette's face turned very unpleasant.

Her health was already poor, and Eli's words made her feel even weaker.

Emily had been missing for so many years, surviving by scavenging and begging. It was hard enough to find her, only to be treated unfairly by her family. If Violette didn't care for Emily,she would be truly pítiful and helpless.

Violette clenched her fists but remained resolute, "Eli, I'm asking for your help. If you can help me out of sibling love, I'll be grateful forever. But this has nothing to do with Emily. If you're going to be so biased, you might as well let me take care of her!"

"Violette, you misunderstand. Dad cares about Emily, too.Your words make it seem like we can't accept Emily. It's all because of me. My poor health makes everyone overprotective. I'll apologize to Emily and bring her back. It's better than you taking her away and making our parents look bad!"

Bianca cried pitifully, her body swaying.

But she still cared about the family's reputation.

Eli felt more satisfied and protective of Bianca, which made him even more displeased with Emily.

He snorted coldly. "If you keep defending Emily, don't expect me to help you!"

Violette's face turned very unpleasant, her eyes red, but she stubbornly held her ground. "Violette, if they won't help you. I will!"

Emily hadn't hung up the phone and had heard the entire conversation on her way to the Johnson Villa.

Her heart was full.

When she entered the house, she heard Eli's threatening words.

He was Violette's brother, fully aware of how important this was to her,yet he still forced her to comply with his wishes.

How dominant!

However, Emily's response was equally bold

Violette hurriedly stepped forward, tryingto push Emily out,"Didn't I tell you not to come? Are you stupid? Go, I'll handle my own matters." Since you're here, apologize quickly. Don't leave!"

Hayden immediately blocked Emily's way, speaking harshly.

Eli agreed with Hayden, glaring coldly at Emily, "Come here and kneel to apologize to Bianca, or I'll break your legs!"