Chapter 9

"Speak," Emily's tone was cold and distant.

James was taken aback, feeling a sharp pain in his chest. But remembering the news from the Johnson family, he softened.

"Emily, I just found out you gave your chance to be John's student to Bianca as an apology. Whydidn't you tell me sooner? I wouldn't have been mad and talked about breaking off the engagement. Let's forget about it this time, but don't do it again."

No apology. When had he started talking to her with sucha condescending tone? She hadn't noticed in her previous life.

"I did nothing wrong. What apology are you talking about?" Emily replied coldly.

James frowned. What was going on? He had given her an out, and she was still acting this way. Eli was right; he had spoiled her too much.

"I thought you had changed, but you still don't see your mistakes! Bianca needs that spot to restore her damaged reputation."

"With you and the Johnson family backing her, those people must have been silenced. Why are you still talking about damaged reputation?" Emily retorted.

"This is your fault. If you hadn't involved Sophia and others, Bianca's reputation wouldn't be at risk. Do you think someone like Sophia canbe silenced?"

James blamed Emily, forgetting she was defending her own name. She had suffered too, but he had only cared about Bianca.

"Anyway, you should give the spot to Bianca. It's crucial for her. Don't worry, I'll get you a gift as a reward!" James still thought he could buy her off with trinkets.

Emily's heart no longer ached. Her tone was icy,"If it's so important, why don't you give her your spot?"

"What?"

James was either too shocked or genuinely didn't understand, so he asked again.

"Nothing. I have things to do. Goodbye."

James would soon understand. If he liked being generous with others'things, she'd let him experience it firsthand.

She hung up, removed his special ringtone, pinned messages, and blocked him. Surprisingly, she fet no sadness, only relief. The pain had been left in her previous life.

She got ready and took a cab to John's house, a beautiful villa, every frame a stunning picture, fitting John's aesthetic.

When Emily arrived, Sophia was waiting at the door, looking nervous. "I...I can really meet John? This is the opportunity you promised? I'll protect you from now on, don't worry."

"No need!" Emily replied. In this new life,she would be the boss.

Sophia was about to get angry, but Emily reminded her, "Did you bring your paintings?"

"Of course!" Sophia wouldn't miss the chancefor John's guidance.

Emily could see that Sophia genuinely loved painting. This recommendation was worth it. The security guard recognized Emily. John had instructed them to treat her like a VIP. Emily and Sophia were quickly led to John. Emily handed Sophia's paintings to John and stepped out to take a call, giving them space. "Emily, I heard you signed up for the medical competition. You should just be given the award. Why compete? Consider being a judge and give the newcomers a chance."

"Alright, I'll give them a chance," Emily said with a smile.

She agreed so easily. The caller, a renowned doctor, was delighted,showing no age-related condescension.

"And about withdrawing from the competition?"

"I'll withdraw," Emily replied firmly.

"Emily, what do you mean by 'withdraw'?" A clear, delicate voice interrupted.Bianca had arrived with the Johnson family and James.

James,claiming he had nothing to do with Bianca, was acting very close to her.

They all thought Emily had given up her chance to become John's student to Bianca, but little did they know that Emily had already given the opportunity to Sophia!