Chapter 50 Emily's Arrival

Elena Garcia POV:

After a few minutes, James's attitude softened, and his tone became gentle. "I'll handle everything for you. You don't have to stay in the dorms if you don't want to, Elena. You need to chill before starting college. Going to the party is a good idea."

I looked at James. To get me to go to the party, he was trying a different tactic. His words sounded really considerate, like he was thinking about me.

James then added, "Of course, it would be even better if you could help look after Mrs. Fisher's kid for the Garcia family."

I didn't say no.

James's change in attitude was enough for me. I just needed him to stop talking to me like he was giving orders.

After leaving, I told the maid taking care of Isabella that I wanted to visit her.

The maid said no, and I didn't push it.

Back in my room, I got a goodnight email from Marco before bed.

After replying, I looked at the chat window with William on my phone.

After our fight about Sofia, William had sent me messages, but I hadn't replied.

William might be at tomorrow's party. I wondered if I should talk to him then, and then I drifted off to sleep.

When I woke up, I told Lily I’d be going to the family party in the evening for some reason.

Lily probably misunderstood something; she seemed super excited. "Okay! Don't worry, Miss Garcia. I'll get everything ready with the others!"

She brought some dresses and picked out a blue-purple jumpsuit for me because I told her I’d be looking after a kid. Lily specifically chose something easy to move around.

She curled my hair into waves and braided a few small braids into it. Then she hung some long rhinestone ornaments on the braids.

They were the same sea-blue color as my eyes.

Emily would arrive before the party started. James wanted me to greet her with him.

After getting everything ready, I went to the villa where I met Isabella and Sofia.

Isabella clearly didn't expect to see me; her face turned sour. If she didn't have to be with Sofia, I thought she would have left right away.

"Elena, what are you doing here?" Sofia asked.

Sofia shielded Isabella behind her, a protective move that made Isabella breathe a sigh of relief. I saw her give Sofia a grateful look.

She quickly took Sofia's hand, and they seemed to comfort and protect each other.

Watching them, I felt like a jerk for a moment.

"I don't think I invited you to the party, Elena. Your rude and uncouth behavior would disgrace the Garcia family," Isabella scolded me. "Go back to your room!"

I clenched the handkerchief in my hand tightly.

Sofia gave me a disdainful smile from beside Isabella. "I'm afraid that's not possible, Mom. Dad asked me to be here to greet Mrs. Fisher with him," I replied.

Isabella looked shocked. "James? He didn't tell me you were coming!"

I didn't say anything. James not telling Isabella about my presence made her furious.

When James showed up, Isabella lifted her skirt and stormed towards him. "What are you doing? Why is she here? Are you out of your mind? She bullied Sofia and was rude to me!"

James's expression was also very unhappy. "Isabella, I know you're mad, but Elena's here at Mrs. Fisher's request. It's for business."

"Oh, come on! For business?" Isabella sneered. Clearly, James's answer didn't cut it for her.

As they argued in low voices, Sofia came up to me. "Now Dad and Mom are fighting because of you. You're such a troublemaker, Elena."

"Don't try to pin this on me, Sofia. It won't make me feel guilty." I took a few steps back, keeping an eye on her.

Sofia snorted.

James and Isabella's argument didn't last long. When they walked over, both looked pissed.

"Why don't you tell Mrs. Fisher how awful Elena is? She lies all the time, almost got her sister killed, and was rude to me," Isabella kept complaining, "If you tell her, maybe she'll worry about her kid getting hurt and choose to replace Elena."

"Shut up! Isabella, do you want me to tell an outsider about our skeleton in the closet? Don't be so foolish!" James finally snapped at her.

Then he added, "Besides, I don't think it's entirely Elena's fault. I mean, what she did to Sofia was wrong, but she was rude to you because you attacked her foster mother first. Maybe you shouldn't drag an innocent person into this."

"Damn it! James, what are you saying?" Isabella goggled at James in shock.

Isabella looked stunned, but James continued, "If Elena's presence can make Mrs. Fisher happy enough to sign the contract, then I'll make sure she's here!"

James's insistence made Isabella give up on kicking me out.

But she redirected her anger towards me. "I really hope you can take good care of Mrs. Fisher's kid! Otherwise, you'll ruin your father's damn contract!"

Sofia gently patted her back, trying to calm her down.

I almost thought Isabella would faint from anger again, but she didn't. She had already pulled herself together by the time Emily arrived.

This was probably a necessary skill for the wealthy; they couldn't let others see their embarrassment, so they always tried to appear perfect.

And Sofia received countless praises because she could always maintain a perfect image.

When the car stopped and James went to greet her, I followed.

After briefly greeting the others, Emily looked at me. "Elena, how are you? Although we only met once before, I've missed you a lot since you left."

She was holding her son's hand, the boy I had helped before.

The boy was super happy to see me and raised his hand to greet me.

I raised my hand to respond, then I curtsied to Emily. "I'm fine, thank you for coming, Mrs. Fisher."

"Don't call me that. I told you, you can just call me Emily." Emily replied with a smile.

Seeing this, James even widened his eyes in surprise, looking between Emily and me.

"Emily." I took her son from her hand. When we met last time, I learned his name was Amos Fisher.

"You two seem to get along well." Isabella didn't expect Emily to be so friendly towards me. "I was worried Elena wouldn't be polite enough and that no one would like her. I hope Elena's sudden visit last time didn't cause you any trouble."

These words didn't sound like concern but rather like a knife stabbing me.

I looked at Isabella in surprise. When Emily turned to look at me, I quickly lowered my head.

I didn't expect Isabella to talk about me like that with Emily. I felt a bit embarrassed.