Chapter 137

Ethan Zheng emerged from the private dining room with an unfamiliar woman draped over his arm. The way she clung to him made it clear she wasn’t Vivian Lu.

Emily Smith paused mid-step in the hallway.

Vivian had already been dealt with by William Johnson. As Olivia Davis’s lackey, she’d become disposable. Naturally, Ethan, as her so-called friend, was quick to cut ties.

George Taylor spotted Emily first, his eyes lighting up. "Emily Smith? What a coincidence."

Ethan finally glanced up, his smirk lazy and suggestive. "Look who’s here—the soft, curvy girl."

Emily offered a tight smile. "Mr. Taylor. Mr. Zheng."

Daniel Chen rose from his seat, subtly positioning himself between her and the two men. "And you are?"

"Daniel Chen from Jinzhou Radio?" George studied him. "I’ve heard of you."

Ethan pulled out his phone and snapped a quick photo of the pair.

The image captured Daniel shielding Emily in a protective stance. Without hesitation, Ethan sent it to William. [Has your little pet found a new owner?]

At the Johnson mansion, William descended the spiral staircase.

His phone buzzed. He opened the message, and his pupils constricted.

The sight of Emily nestled against Daniel’s chest sent a sharp pang through him. His knuckles whitened as he gripped the phone, jaw clenched.

He swallowed hard, shut his eyes briefly, and shoved the phone back into his pocket.

Just a woman. Nothing more.

Monday morning, Emily and Lily White met at the subway entrance.

"Did you hear? The marketing department just got a new director—" Lily’s words cut off as a black Rolls-Royce screeched to a halt beside them.

Emily’s breath hitched the moment she recognized the license plate.

The door swung open, and William stepped out. She lowered her gaze, murmuring in unison with Lily, "Good morning, Vice President Johnson."

His sharp stare lingered on her face for a fraction of a second.

As they waited for the elevator, Lily tugged her sleeve. "Did you see the way he looked at you just now?"

"Hmm?"

"Like he wanted to devour you." Lily shivered. "So terrifying."

Emily watched the elevator numbers flicker, silent.

Inside his private elevator, William loosened his tie. His phone screen lit up—the same photo.

He pressed delete.