Chapter 60

Everyone was stunned into silence.

Emily stood tall, glaring down at John with a cold stare. She was ready to unleash all the anger she'd bottled up over the years.

Veda finally spoke, "Emily, I'm sorry for what I did to you."

Emily shot back, "Veda, if you're really sorry, then get on your knees. Don't act like I'm the bad guy here. There are cameras everywhere. They caught how you fell. Trying to pull the same trick twice? Not gonna work."

Veda's face went pale, feeling the dull ache from her fall. She wanted to hide in John's arms for some comfort.

Seeing her move, Emily smirked and said, "When I first came back to the Johnson family, I wanted us to be sisters. There was no need for all this drama, but you chose to make me your enemy. Veda, from the moment you plotted against me, I knew you were an idiot!"

Everyone's faces were tense.

"Oh wow! Ms. Emily Johnson really shut Veda up."

"If my parents favored an outsider over me, I'd probably do worse than her."

"Just pushing her down the stairs was mild. I didn't realize the Johnson family always looked down on Emily."

"If they really cared about her, today's banquet would be all about Emily."

People murmured.

Mia trembled slightly, lowering her head, not saying a word since asking Emily to apologize earlier.

Emily had exposed their dirty laundry, turning the banquet into a complete farce.

Emily looked at Aiden and Mia again. "Dad, Mom, this is the last timne I'll call you that. From now on, I'm no longer a Johnson."

Emily hugged them both briefly and stepped back.

"The Johnsons are a big deal in Emerald City. Is she really giving up all that luxury?"

"She still has the Williams family. I heard her cal1 John's mom 'mom'."

"The Williams family treats her well. She's even wearing their heirlooms."

Calliope, watching from the side, felt heartbroken and declared, "I want Emily as the Williams family's daughter."

Calliope walked up, gently hugged Emily, and announced to everyone,"From now on, Emmy is my daughter. Anyone who messes with her will have to deal with me."

Emily's wounded heart felt a bit of healing.

Aiden and Mia were shocked by Emily's bold move, their faces darkening.

Veda's expression was a mix of emotions.

Aiden pointed at Emily angrily. "Don't come crying to us later! You won't be welcome at the Johnson Mansion."

Emily smiled at Calliope, "Mom, let's go."

They started to leave but were stopped a few steps later. Emily looked up and saw James's familiar face.

James stood there in a sharp black suit, looking effortlessly cool with a hint of melancholy on his handsome face.

When everyone saw him, they were shocked, especially Veda. She had invited him, but as the night dragged on, she didn't think he'd show.

Veda blurted out, "Mr. Smith,you have to stand up for me."

The birthday party was supposed to be Veda's big moment,and now all eyes were on her and James.

Everyone in the room was a big deal in Emerald City. They knew James-he was the richest guy in the world and a major player in high society.

They also knew he was in town for his grandmother, but since he hadn't left yet, there had to be some huge project keeping him here. If they could get in on it, even a small piece of the action would boost their family's status.

They'd all been trying to meet James, but he was hard to pin down. Yet somehow,Veda had managed to get him here.

Calliope looked at James, then pulled Emily aside and whispered, "Emmy,let's steer clear of him."

James and Emily exchanged a look, both unsure of what to say.

"Veda wasn't lying. Mr. Smith really showed up."

"The Johnsons are so lucky. If Veda gets close to Mr. Smith, she'll be unstoppable."

"What about John? Just getting James here doesn't mean anything."

Some people were still trying to keep things in perspective.

But as many people who had been laughing at the Johnsons were now envious and jealous. The earlier ddrama was already forgotten.

People around Aiden started to butter him up.

"Mr. Johnson, youar family's about to hit the big leagues."

"If you get a deal with the Smith family, don't forget your old friends."

Aiden had never felt so popular, his face flushed with excitement. He walked up to James eagerly.

"I didn't expect you to come, Mr. Smith. I should've given you a proper welcome."

"Just call me James. No need for formalities."

Aiden was surprised. He thought, 'Is James really this down-to-earth? Isn't he supposed to be aloof and cold? Maybe the rumors aren't true.'

But Aiden also figured it was because of Veda. She must be pretty well-liked at the Golden Birch Group to pull this off.

Veda spoke up, her voice shaky. "Mr. Smith, my sister accidentally pushed me down the stairs, and I didn't even ask her to apologize, but now she wants to cut ties with our parents. Mr. Smith, please help me."

Veda sobbed softly, looking all innocent.

James gave her a cold look and said, "Seems like I missed quite the show."

His eyes landed on Emily, noticing the red mark on her face.

She was someone he cared about, and today she got slapped!