Chapter 86

"Hey, so, there are these two people. Bianca and James, who wanna see you. They said it's important, but I didn't wanna decide for you, so f came to ask." Joe said with a grin.

Emily smirked. "Oh, them? Did they bribe you enough to get in?"

She was clearly teasing.

Bianca's face fell.

She had expected a tough doctor to be either an eccentric old man or someone distant, but she hadn't expected someone younger with a playful attitude.

Joe chuckled, "Yeah, they promised to hook me up with all the medicinal herbs I need."

Emily played along, "Not bad. Are they serious, or are they just blowing smoke?"

Joe, always up for a joke, turned to Bianca and James, "So, are you guys for real, or are you trying to pull one over on me?"

"Of course we're serious! Joe, you must be kidding. The Johnson Group and the Smith Group wouldn't lie about this!" Bianca quickly replied.

York,standing nearby.was stunned.

What was happening?

Weren't James and Bianca always giving Emily a hard time?

Why were they now seeking her out, using the names of the Johnson Group and the Smith Group?

Emily had turned things around so fast!

In such a short time,she had flipped the script.

Emily hung up the phone and noticed York staring at her curiously.

She replayed the conversation in her mind, making sure she hadn't given anything away.

"York!" Daniel's voice came from behind, sounding ominous.

York shivered.

He had been staring at Emily without blinking, and now he felt the intense hostility from behind.

York quickly shrank back.

Emily stepped forward, "Mr. Smith, I need to discuss something important with you."

"Is it about me? Ms. Johnson, you are very considerate."

Daniel's powerful aura softened, and he appeared calm and relaxed.

Emily nodded, "Yes, I just discovered that one of the contestants,named Ophelia, might be problematic. I detected a particular medicinal scent on

her that matches one of the poisons you were exposed to."

"This competition is hosted by the Smith Group, and I fear she might be targeting you. I wanted to warn you. If nothing goes wrong,she will likely win first place."

Emily shared her suspicions based on what she knew.

York, listening nearby, immediately became serious and alert.

Daniel's expression remained unreadable. "Thank you for the warning. Ms.Johnson. This is very important."

Emily waved it off nonchalantly.

Daniel, always decisive, didn't even bother to verify her claim. He immediately ordered York, "Have someone keep a close watch on Ophelia.

Don't act yet; let's see who she's working with."

His eyes flashed with a momentary burst of killing intent, which he quickly suppressed.

He turned back to Emily and said, "Ms. Johnson, you've been a great help again. It's almost dinner time. Would you do me the honor of joining me for dinner?"

His gaze was calm yet intense, focused solely on her.

Emily found herself momentarily speechless.

Fortunately, she regained her composure just in time, finding a ready excuse, "Mr. Smith, I'd love to, but as you heard, Bianca and James are looking for me. I might not have thetime."

Daniel wasn't upset by her refusal. He even pondered for a moment before

replying, "That's simple. Have them meet you at the restaurant. Since they need your help. making them wait a bit won't hurt."

Only someone of his stature could speak of Bianca and James as if they were disobedient children, showing no regard for their feelings.

Emily's eyes lit up. Of course! She had been too lenient. She should make them wait.

After finishing her conversation with Daniel, Emily nodded and prepared to leave. "Mr. Smith, I'll head to the competition venue to judge today's top three."

"Alright, I'll wait for you at the entrance when you're done," Daniel replied respectfully.

As soon as Emily left the room, Daniel's previously gentle demeanor vanished, replaced by a commanding and intimidating presence. "Keep a close watch on Ophelia and see who she interacts with," Daniel ordered coldly.

York hesitated before speaking. "Mr. Smith, the person who poisoned you is highly skilled. If Ophelia is connected to them, why not just disqualify her from the competition? Even placing her second or third would be safer.

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If Ophelia won first place, she would work for the Smith Group,giving her access to Daniel.

Daniel's eyes were deep and cold. "If she's truly working with the poisoner.they'll have more plans if this one fails. It's better to 'grant her wish.'

With the enemy in the open and us in the shadows, we'll maintain control.

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York understood the logic but was still concerned, "But your health is the priority. I'm worried..."

"With Emily around, there's no need to worry." Daniel's voice was low and magnetic. and when he said Emily's name, it carried a hint of tenderness.

Fortunately. Emily wasn't there to hear it, or she might have felt a shiver down her spine.

York opened his mouth but didn't dare question Daniel further. He just thought that love could make people blind. Daniel seemed to have an almost blind faith in Emily's medical skills.

Emily,unaware of York's doubts about her abilities, arrived at the competition venue and discussed with the judges to finalize the rankings.

When the host announced the results, Bianca, despite knowing the outcome, couldn't help but feel a bit resentful. So, when Emily was congratulating Wren, Bianca couldn't resist stepping forward to accuse her.

"Emily, what did you do to get all the judges to cooperate with you and give Wren second place? Why?"

Bianca also tried to sow discord between Wren and Emily. "Wren, do you really think Emily is your friend?If she were, why didn't she get you first place? Don't be fooled by her."

Wren,being smart and straightforward, immediately saw through Bianca's intentions. Before Emily could respond, Wren retorted,"What are you talking about? You say Emily can decide the rankings, but then you say she didn't give me first place. Ophelia has nothing to do with her. If she had that power, why wouldn't she give me first place? Don't you see how

ridiculous you sound?"

"Of course. it's because she didn't want to make it too obvious," Bianca grasped at a flimsy excuse.

Emily suddenly leaned in close to her, "Bianca, you're really dense. If there were any foul play,whose reputation and interests would be damaged first? Obviously, the Smith family!"