Chapter 108

The dial tone in her phone felt like a blunt knife, slowly sawing at Emily Smith's nerves.

Her fingers tightened around the device, knuckles turning white.

William Johnson had hung up on her.

The realization sent a chill through her bones.

The July night was stifling, yet an icy numbness crept up from her feet.

What about her sister's treatment?

Would her father's situation in prison worsen?

Though he had never shown such ruthlessness before—

Did she truly know him at all?

Emily took a deep breath, forcing herself to stay calm.

Leaning on her crutch, she shuffled to the curb and dialed the familiar number again.

Once. Twice. Three times.

No one answered.

Just as she hesitated whether to keep trying, a black Rolls-Royce glided past her.

The tinted windows hid the occupant, but she could swear she felt a sharp gaze land on her.

The car disappeared into the underground garage without stopping.

Emily bit her lip and opened WeChat.

"William, I'm sorry." Her voice trembled slightly. "I promise I won't make the same mistake again."

As she sent the second voice message, her nails dug into her palms.

"Please... give me one more chance."

After sending them, she slumped onto the steps like a puppet with its strings cut.

The night breeze brushed her hair, carrying the oppressive heat of summer.

Upstairs in the penthouse, William loosened his tie and tossed his phone onto the couch.

The sound of running water in the shower did nothing to ease the restlessness in his chest.

When he stepped out, his hand instinctively reached for his phone.

Only two unread voice messages still sat on the screen.

He stared at the red notification dot for a long moment before looking away.

The video conference dragged on late into the night.

William barely listened to the reports, his gaze repeatedly flicking to his silent phone.

After the meeting ended, he finally tapped on the messages.

The girl's soft voice filled the quiet room, too clear, too intimate.

His throat moved, and heat stirred low in his body.

Then—

A third message suddenly appeared.

His finger tapped it almost reflexively.

"I'm waiting downstairs."

Five simple words that made his breath catch.