Chapter 13

Emily Smith finished registering her access card for Jinzhou Bay One and walked toward the subway station under the morning light.

The rush-hour subway was packed. She shielded her bag as she squeezed through the crowd. It was only three stops from Jinzhou Bay to BestTech Group. Fifteen minutes later, she stood beneath the glass facade of the BestTech Tower.

Michael Thompson, the Business Department manager, personally showed her around. After touring the entire department, he pointed to a workstation. "Lily White will train you. Come to me if you have any questions."

"Thank you, Manager Thompson." Emily hugged her notebook and sat beside Lily.

"What's your relationship with Vice President Johnson?" Lily got straight to the point.

Emily shook her head. "None."

Lily smirked knowingly. "Alright. I'll make sure to teach you well."

The morning training session was packed with useful information. Emily filled seven pages with notes. At noon, Michael treated the team to lunch at a Sichuan restaurant near the office.

The spicy boiled fish in chili oil whetted Emily's appetite. Her nose beaded with sweat from the heat, but she couldn't stop eating.

"Didn't expect you to handle spice so well." On their way back, Michael suddenly realized they were the only two left.

Emily wiped her lips. "Hometown taste. Thanks, Manager Thompson."

Dappled sunlight filtered through the trees, casting patterns on her face. When she smiled, her eyes curved into crescents, and faint dimples appeared. Her lips, flushed from the spice, looked glossy and plump, while her fair cheeks glowed like ripe peaches.

Michael's Adam's apple bobbed. The loose shirt hid her figure, but now, under the sunlight, her curves were unmistakable. Her waist was slender enough to encircle with one hand, and her innocent smile carried an unconscious allure.

"Just call me boss from now on," he said, his voice slightly hoarse.

"Okay, boss." Emily replied sweetly.

As they stepped into the company lobby, a shrill voice cut through the air. "Emily Smith!"

Emma Clark rushed over from the lounge, her nails nearly grazing Emily's face. "What are you doing here?"

"Cousin." Emily took half a step back.

Michael shielded her. "She's a BestTech employee. Any problem?"

"Employee?" Emma's eyes widened. "Did you seduce Will—"

"Good afternoon, Vice President Johnson!"

A chorus of greetings interrupted her. William Johnson walked in surrounded by executives, his tailored suit accentuating his broad shoulders and narrow waist.

Emma instantly changed her demeanor, smiling coyly as she approached him. "William~"

William's gaze swept past Emily and settled on Emma. "Waiting long?"

"Just got here." Emma tried to link arms with him, but he subtly avoided her touch.

"Let's talk upstairs." William strode forward.

As they passed Emily, Emma shot her a venomous glare. Emily stared at her shoes as if they held some priceless treasure.

Once the elevator doors closed, Emma ventured, "That girl just now... she looked like my cousin..."

"Your cousin?" William raised an eyebrow. "Do I know her?"

"Oh, no!" Emma waved her hands hastily. "I must've mistaken her for someone else."

The elevator mirror reflected William's faintly amused smile.