Chapter 71

It was already evening when James finally wrapped up the meeting.Emily had come back too, and James decided to take her to the biggest mall in Emerald City for some shopping.

Emily looked at the gifts in her hands, puzzled. "Why are you buying all this stuff?"

"They'll come in handy when we meet your parents."

Emily was confused. James paused for a moment, his eyes on her. "Your mom came by today and asked me to visit the Williams Mansion. Did you forget?"

James sounded a bit annoyed.

That's when Emily remembered and instinctively replied, "But we're not even in a serious relationship."

James narrowed his eyes slightly, then suddenly pulled Emily into the VIP dressing room, pushing her down on the sofa. "Emmy, do I need to be in a serious relationship to meet your parents?"

He bit her lip in frustration, not giving her a chance to speak, his tongue exploring her mouth wildly.

Emily struggled to breathe. She took a few breaths and pushed him away slightly, but James didn't budge, his eyes locked on her, a mix of grievance and hope. Emily felt a bit helpless. She couldn't resist his gaze at all. Her eyes flickered as she said, "If you do me a favor, I'll let you meet my parents."

James' expression softened a bit, his hand still on her waist,keeping her from getting up. "Go on."

After speaking her mind and getting his nod, Emily sat up slightly,her eyes on him. She knew he wanted her with that look.

"Not here. The sofa might not be clean, and there could be germs. Let's go home."

James smirked. "I'm not that desperate."

Emily rolled her eyes. "James, when are you not desperate?"

James was speechless.

The next day, Emily had been in his office all morning working on design drafts.

When lunchtime rolled around, Ryan had already prepared the meal and set it neatly on the coffee table. After hesitating for a moment,he said to James, "Mr. Smith, there's something I need to tell you. Veda wanted to see you last night, but I stopped her. Today, she's insisting on meeting you and causing a scene downstairs."

Hearing Veda's name, James' eyes showed a hint of disgust. But remembering what Emily had said, he replied, "Let her in."

Emily was sitting at the coffee table, eating leisurely. She waved at James."Why don't you eat first? When she gets here, you won't have time to eat."

James walked over.

Before Veda arrived, Emily took her utensils and went back to the hidden room. She wanted to watch the drama unfold.

Veda didn't expect James to agree to see her, knowing how much he doted on Emily. She was somewhat happy.

She walked briskly to James and spoke in a righteous tone, "Mr.Smith,it was me who framed Emily yesterday. I should take responsibility for my actions. My friends were just standing up for me, so there's no need to make things difficult for them."

Early that morning, Veda had received several calls from friends who usually got along well with her.

Their families weren't as wealthy as the Johnson family, but they were better off than most.

Some were minor actors, and some were internet celebrities. They usually sucked up to Veda.

But yesterday, all their dirty laundry got aired out. Some were caught bullying classmates in school, some were gambling and in debt,and some were sleeping around for resources. Scandalous photos were everywhere.

This couldn't have all come out in one day unless someone was targeting them. Veda could only think of Emily.

But Veda knew only James had the power to pull this off, not Emily. One of Veda's friends had even said, "How could Mr. Smith do this?We were just standing up for you. But it was clearly your idea.Why are you untouched?" Indeed, there wasn't a single mention of Veda slandering Emily online. Veda never thought it was because Aiden didn't want the scandal to spread.

James listened quietly,raising an eyebrow, guessing Emily was behind it all.

Veda, lost in her own thoughts, wondered, 'Mr. Smith's leniency towards me-does that mean he cares about me?'

If she was still special to James, she might have a chance to bounce back.

That was why Veda was determined to see James today.

She had caused a scene in the company lobby. If it were anyone else,security would have kicked them out, but James didn't do that to her. So she felt somewhat special.

James asked calmly, "Are you seeking justice for your friends?"

Veda looked righteous. "Yes, if you're angry for Emily, target me. Don't go after my friends. It's low."

James looked at her sharply. Veda felt a bit scared, her heart tightening,but she couldn't back down now.

Given his upbringing in the Smith family, she thought James was probably always surrounded by deceit, making pure emotions hard to come by.

Her recent actions, at the very least, had demonstrated her loyalty and sense of responsibility, likely leading James to value her.

Sure enough, James praised her nonchalantly, "Seems like you really cherish close bonds." Then he added, "But why don't you care about your own parents?" Veda was stunned, her expression freezing. She didn't expect James to bring up Isolde and Lucas.

Their faces were etched in Veda's mind. She didn't even want to think about them.

Veda thought James wouldn't mention them without a reason,and it must be Emily trying to tarnish her image in James's eyes. How could she be so malicious!

Veda completely forgot about James's affection for Emily, and she was now even angrier. "It was Emily who told you, right? She's always been jealous of me since we were kids, always slandering me. Mr. Smith, you can't believe her."

James looked at her coldly, almost laughing. He never thought someone could be this shameless. Today was truly an eye-opener.

James lightly tapped the table with his fingertips and calmly said, "I have a document and a video for you to see."

He handed the document to Veda.

When Veda saw the remittance records, her eyes widened in shock.