Chapter 3 Neglected
Emerald City Airport
"Mr. James Smith, Mrs. Cleo Smith wants you to go to the Smith Villa first."
Tyler hung up the phone.
Respectfully following James.
This return was urgent because Rhea had started nagging again.
Seeing the neighbors with grandchildren, she began to complain about being a lonely old woman.
A month ago, Cleo was diagnosed with Alzheimer's.
Although the Smith family had top-notch medical care, they could only slow down Cleo's condition.
Cleo adored James.
So, after quickly handling the Smith Group's affairs in Lumaria, James rushed back.
"Alright, let's go to the Smith Villa first."
James took a long stride and got into the Bentley.
"But..."
Tyler hesitated.
"Just say it."
"Mrs. Smith wants you to bring your new wife home. She also said... you've been married for a year, why haven't you had a child yet?"
God, only Tyler knew that James probably didn't even remember what his wife looked like, let alone have a child.
"Who else is at the Smith Villa today besides Grandma?"
"Mrs. Cleo Smith's two friends, and your aunt Ms. Thea Ellis."
"Let's go to the company first."
James closed his eyes, hands clasped together, unconsciously turning in circles..
Cleo wanted to pressure James with everyone.
After getting married, James went to Lumaria alone. At first, he could hide it from Cleo, but over time, Cleo wanted to video call with James's wife, and he was exposed.
Cleo was angry for a long time.
James had to lie, saying his new wife was still a student and hadn't graduated from college so that she couldn't have children.
But a year had passed, and Cleo was getting more impatient.
It seemed he needed to remember who his new wife was.
"What is my wife's name?"
"Mr. Smith, your wife's name is Emily."
"No last name?"
"Yes, her full name is Emily Johnson."
"The Johnson family, the rubber business?"
"Yes, Mr. Smith."
James paused for a moment, then continued, "No wonder she hasn't reached out in ages. Turns out she's from a big-shot family. Guess she got hitched because of family pressure. How's the Johnson family doing these days?"
"Their rubber plantation business is spread all over Celestria and Aquilonia. They're doing pretty well, considered middle class in Emerald City."
"Alright, grab some gifts. We're heading to the Johnson Villa later to check on my wife."
"Sure thing, Mr. Smith."
Tyler then pulled out his tablet and tapped a few times.
Luxury stores across Emerald City suddenly became very busy.
James's return to the country wasn't a secret within the Smith Group, but no one expected him to head straight to the office right after landing.
Many young women instantly regretted not dressing up or putting on makeup that day.
The restrooms and makeup rooms were packed.
Emily had arrived at the office at eight in the morning after receiving a call, thinking she could start her job right away. But the receptionist led her to a waiting room and then disappeared.
She found herself sitting with seven or eight other young women. Not wanting to socialize with strangers, Emily kept drinking water to look busy.
By her seventh cup, she couldn't hold it any longer.
"Excuse me...?"
"Sorry, miss, the lobby needs to be cleared. Please wait over there."
The four receptionists were bustling around. One was tidying the desk, while the other three were fixing their makeup and dresses. One even took a pair of scissors and shortened her already short skirt into a tighter fit.