Chapter 134

"Come here."

William Johnson's voice was icy.

Emily Smith tightened her grip on the suitcase handle, her nails nearly digging into her palms. She took a deep breath and slowly walked toward him.

"What will it take for Professor Johnson to continue treating my sister?" Her voice trembled.

William toyed with his cufflinks, not even lifting his gaze.

"Kneel." The word slipped from his thin lips.

Emily's head snapped up, meeting his fathomless eyes.

"You have a girlfriend," she gritted out.

William suddenly laughed, though the amusement never reached his eyes.

"Do you think I'd make my girlfriend do this?"

The words cut like a knife, plunging straight into Emily's heart. She finally understood—in his eyes, she wasn't even human.

"Name another condition," she rasped.

William stood, looking down at her with disdain.

"Emily Smith, do you think you're in any position to bargain?" He tilted her chin up with a finger. "What other value do you have besides this?"

Each word burned like a brand, making her entire body shake.

She turned to leave, but his demonic whisper stopped her cold.

"Your sister's hospital bed seems permanent now."

Emily froze, her blood turning to ice.

Slowly, she turned back, tears welling in her eyes. Finally, she sank to her knees, trembling.

"Get out!"

Before she could touch him, he shoved her away violently. She fell to the floor, watching the fury swirl in William's eyes.

"Professor Johnson will keep treating her, right?" she pressed stubbornly.

William yanked his tie loose, his Adam's apple bobbing. "If you don't leave now, I'll call to terminate her treatment immediately."

Emily scrambled up, grabbed her suitcase, and fled.

The subway station was packed with people.

She stood at the platform's edge as trains roared past. Her phone screen flickered on and off. Finally, she opened WeChat and transferred the 500,000 back—ten installments.

Each transfer felt like carving out her own heart.

When she blocked all his contacts, her hands shook so badly she could barely hold the phone. The last train arrived, and she stepped on without looking back.

The window reflected her pale face and the city that had devoured every last shred of her dignity.