Chapter 133

"Miss Lin has such elegant grace. You and Vice President Johnson make a perfect match." Michael Thompson fawned with an ingratiating smile.

The Business Department staff were all shrewd opportunists, masters at reading the room. They quickly joined in with flattering remarks.

Amanda Lin responded with a graceful smile, intimately linking arms with William Johnson as she whispered something in his ear. Fingers intertwined, they left first.

As she turned, Amanda's gaze fleetingly swept past Emily Smith standing in the corner.

Emily met that meaningful look and forced a faint smile.

Her conscience was clear. Her relationship with William had been nothing more than a mutually agreed transaction. She hadn't stolen or cheated—what did she have to be ashamed of?

She had just sat back at her workstation when the desk phone rang.

The caller ID showed William's office.

Emily took a deep breath and answered.

"Go pack up your things tonight." The man's icy voice carried suppressed anger.

"Alright."

Click.

The call ended abruptly.

Emily closed her eyes briefly before turning to her computer, forcing herself to focus on work.

The moment the workday ended, she headed straight to Skyline Bay Apartment No. 1.

Standing before the familiar door, her heartbeat quickened uncontrollably.

She silently prayed William wouldn't be home. At this hour, he was never usually here.

Beep. The fingerprint lock clicked open.

She froze, surprised her access still worked.

Apparently, William couldn't be bothered with such trivialities—or with her.

The apartment was dark, so quiet she could hear her own breathing.

Using the last fading light from the windows, she walked straight to the guest room. Her belongings were already packed—just one suitcase.

Retrieving it from the closet, she placed the black card and phone on the nightstand, eager to leave immediately.

"Did I say you could go?"

That deep, familiar voice suddenly spoke behind her.

Emily shuddered, nearly dropping the suitcase handle.

Turning slowly, she saw William seated in an armchair shrouded in shadows. In the dim light, his eyes gleamed like a predator's—dangerous and intent.

"Sorry, I thought you weren't home," she said, her voice eerily calm.

William chuckled, long fingers tapping the armrest. "Leaving me seems to make you happy?"

Backlit, his expression was unreadable, but the chill in his tone said everything.

Emily bit her lip. "You ended things first."

"So you didn't want to?" His eyes narrowed, the air around him turning oppressive.

After a pause, she finally mustered courage. "William, could you please let Professor Johnson continue treating my sister?"

"Begging me?" His gaze turned dangerous.

"Yes, I'm begging you." She nodded without hesitation.

"Begging requires the right attitude." His words were deliberate.

"What do you want me to do?"

"Come here."