Chapter 229

Daniel Chen spent a long time on the phone in the bedroom. His voice was hushed. Emily Smith continued washing the dishes he'd left unfinished in the kitchen, deliberately not listening.

When he finally emerged, his expression was terrifyingly dark.

At six in the evening, Emily finished her voice-over work and stepped out of the Leap Building. She was about to head to the hospital to visit her sister when her phone suddenly rang.

It was an unknown number.

"I'm Daniel's mother," came the icy voice on the other end. "At the New Brocade Hall. The same private room as last time. I want to see you."

Before Emily could respond, Mrs. Chen added, "Daniel will be there too. Don't bother contacting him."

"Alright."

Emily hung up and took a cab straight there.

The moment she pushed open the private room door, she froze.

Aside from Mr. and Mrs. Chen, there were three others—a middle-aged couple and a young woman.

"Uncle, Auntie," Emily greeted softly.

The trio's gazes raked over her like knives.

"So you're Emily Smith?" The young woman, Sophia Song, smirked disdainfully. "You are pretty. No wonder Daniel can't bring himself to break up with you."

"Sophia!" Mr. Song snapped.

"Miss Smith, have a seat," Mr. Chen said, his tone still relatively mild.

Emily shook her head. "That won't be necessary. Please say what you need to."

Mrs. Song scoffed and glanced at Mrs. Chen.

Mrs. Chen's face darkened. "This is Sophia Song. Our families have been close for generations. Daniel and Sophia grew up together."

Emily listened quietly.

"We called you here today to discuss Daniel and Sophia's marriage," Mrs. Chen enunciated each word. "Sophia is pregnant with Daniel's child. He must marry her."

The words hit Emily like a sledgehammer.

Her legs nearly gave out beneath her.

"Fifty thousand isn't enough?" Mrs. Chen sneered. "That's all you're worth."

Sophia cut in, "Considering how well you've served Daniel, I'll add another fifty."

"Sophia Song!"

A furious roar came from the doorway.

Daniel stormed in and immediately shielded Emily behind him. His eyes were bloodshot, his voice trembling. "You've gone too far."

He turned and pulled Emily close. "Let's go."

But Emily stood rooted to the spot, unmoving.

"Try walking out that door!" Mrs. Chen slammed her hands on the table and stood. "If you leave today, neither of you will have a peaceful life in this country!"

Daniel stiffened.

Slowly, he turned back. His red-rimmed eyes were filled with anguish. "Mom, don't push me."