"That's a relief."
Emilia Clark's voice carried a note of relief. After chatting with Emma for a while longer, she hung up to avoid disturbing her further. As Emma set her phone aside, she noticed Amelia had woken up.
Thank goodness, she thought with a sigh of relief. Now she could finally have lunch.
But Amelia couldn't be left alone. Emma had no choice but to have the servants bring the meal to the room. She studied Amelia's face and noticed it looked much better than it had that morning. After all, not everyone reacted to fevers as severely as she did.
Amelia's spirits had lifted considerably, and she couldn't bear to stay cooped up any longer. She insisted on taking a walk in the garden.
Despite Emma's attempts to dissuade her, Amelia remained stubborn, clinging to Emma and pleading with her. Left with no other option, Emma instructed a servant to help Amelia into a thick coat before finally allowing her to go outside.
They hadn't been in the garden long when a security guard approached to inform them that Isabella Miller had arrived.
Why is she here? Emma wondered silently, but she instructed the guard to escort Isabella to the back garden.
"Cousin, I was abroad for a fashion show. When I returned to the country last night, I saw the news on Weibo. I was so worried about you, so I came straight here. You don't mind, do you?"
Isabella's face was etched with concern as she handed a lavish fruit basket to a nearby servant.
"I'm fine."
Emma was surprised by Isabella's show of worry. When had her cousin become so proactive? It was truly astonishing.
Isabella naturally noticed the gauze on Emma's forehead and the injury beneath it, quickly asking what had happened. Emma brushed it off with a vague explanation about an accident. Seeing that Emma didn't want to elaborate, Isabella didn't press further.
"Miss Amelia, you don't look well. Are you feeling unwell?"
Isabella turned her attention to Amelia, noticing her pallid complexion.
"I have a fever, but it's nothing serious."
"This is the time of year when autumn turns to winter. It's easy to catch a cold. Miss Amelia should take good care of herself."
Isabella's voice was full of concern. Amelia offered her a grateful smile.
After an hour had passed, Emma escorted Amelia back to her room. Isabella also rose to leave, and Emma personally saw her out.
As they reached the entrance, Isabella turned back, hesitating as she looked at Emma.
"Cousin, there's something I'd like to ask you. I was wondering if you could help me."
Emma thought to herself that this was the real reason Isabella had come. Even though their relationship had eased somewhat, Isabella wouldn't have visited just because she saw some news. It didn't add up.
"What is it? I can't promise to help unless it's within my ability."
Emma didn't immediately agree, speaking honestly instead.
"It's actually quite simple. Did you know my cousin recently invested in an international film co-production with Hollywood? I heard this movie is aiming for the International Film Festival. They're casting two Chinese actresses. I know my own limits, so I can't compete for the lead. But a supporting role would be more than enough for me. However, if my cousin doesn't recommend me, the director won't even give me an audition. I really want to be in that movie—it would be a huge boost to my career. Please help me, cousin."
Isabella looked at Emma with hopeful eyes.
Emma felt helpless. The last time she had asked Liam to remove the blacklisting that Isabella's agency had imposed on her, it had been a difficult request. Now Isabella wanted her to ask Liam to arrange a role for her?
"Isabella, you're talented. But you're not a trained actress. There are so many excellent actors out there. Even under Liam's company alone, there are five or six who are qualified. Even if I mentioned it to Liam, he wouldn't consider you. Your modeling career is doing well. Why do you feel the need to break into the entertainment industry?"
Emma didn't directly say that Isabella's ambitions were too big. It wasn't easy to stand out in the modeling world. If it weren't for Liam's company, Isabella wouldn't be where she was today.
But Isabella clearly wasn't satisfied. She wanted to go further, without considering whether she had the ability.
Isabella's face stiffened as she looked at Emma. Then she forced a smile. "I understand, cousin. I'll be going now."
As she drove away from Sunrise Manor, Isabella pulled over on the side of the road. Furious, she pounded the steering wheel several times, the anger in her chest still burning.
She had worked so hard to whisper in Liam's ear. And now this Emma, even if she acted humble in front of her, would never do her any favors.
Damn Emma Johnson. She made her so angry. Sooner or later, she would make this woman regret it.
Although Emma had refused Isabella, when Liam returned home that evening, she still asked him if Isabella had any chance of being cast in the film.
"She doesn't have the qualifications or the experience. The director won't agree to it."
Liam told Emma the harsh truth, which didn't surprise her. She had just been holding onto a sliver of hope.
"I heard your cousin came by today. It seems she didn't just come to see you."
There was a hint of sarcasm in Liam's voice, and Emma had no words to refute him. After all, it was true.
"Your cousin's ambitions are too big. If she comes to you again, just push it all onto me."
Liam looked at Emma's embarrassed expression and couldn't help but say.
"I don't think she'll have any reason to come to me after this."
Emma sighed, expressing her helplessness.
"Don't talk about her anymore. Come here, let me see your hands."
Liam placed the medicine box on the bed and called out to Emma. She obediently walked over.
"Tomorrow, you don't need to wrap it in gauze anymore."
Looking at the scab forming on his palm, the wound no longer felt as serious as yesterday, aside from a slight itch.
"Two more days. Just to be safe."
Liam applied fresh gauze to Emma's hand and said to her.
"How was your day at home? Did you get some rest?"
There was a hint of concern in Liam's indifferent voice.
"It was fine."
Emma couldn't bring herself to tell Liam that she hadn't rested at all. She hadn't even had time to sleep. If Liam hadn't come back, she was afraid Amelia wouldn't have let her leave her side.