Chapter 113

"I thought you said your cooking was terrible." William Johnson leaned against the kitchen island, his long fingers tapping lightly on the marble countertop.

Emily Smith continued stirring the pumpkin and millet porridge without turning around. "I took a cooking class recently."

The coffee machine hummed softly. Her movements were fluid and practiced. She had secretly practiced latte art over a hundred times for this moment, her wrists aching from the effort.

William's gaze lingered on her slender silhouette. Morning light streamed through the floor-to-ceiling windows, casting a soft glow around her. Something in his chest fluttered faintly.

"Five more minutes," she said, turning with a tray in hand, her hair swaying gently with the motion.

On the dining table, golden pumpkin porridge steamed, and the pan-fried shrimp dumplings had a perfect crispy bottom. The coffee cup bore an intricate heart-shaped design.

William took a sip of the coffee first. The temperature was just right, the bitterness balanced. He raised a brow at her expectant expression before tasting a spoonful of the porridge.

The sweetness of pumpkin bloomed on his tongue.

"How is it?" Emily propped her chin on her hands, her eyes sparkling.

He picked up a shrimp dumpling, biting into it as juices burst forth. "You've clearly practiced a lot."

"Grandma loves my cooking." She lowered her head to stir her bowl, her lashes casting delicate shadows. "She always eats half a bowl more when I cook."

William ate five dumplings in a row. As he reached for the sixth, he spoke abruptly. "I'm going to Switzerland."

The spoon clinked against the bowl. Emily's head snapped up, her lips parting slightly.

"Uncle's condition has worsened." His voice was quiet, almost as if speaking to himself. "The doctors say... he might not make it through winter."

Her fingers twisted together unconsciously. She hadn't expected him to confide in her. The BestTech chairman's health was top-secret, unknown even to most executives.

"He'll pull through," she murmured, reaching to cover his hand with hers.

William turned his hand to grip hers, his hold tight enough to make her wince. Silence stretched between them.

"There's something..." She hesitated. "Could I finish recording this audiobook with Daniel? Just one more week."

His fingers tightened abruptly.

"I can find you a new partner." He released her hand, his tone cooling. "Someone more professional."

"But—"

"No buts." William stood, his shadow falling over her. "This isn't up for discussion."

Emily looked up at him, her eyes glistening. She opened her mouth but said nothing in the end.