Chapter 147

The sound of movement came from the foyer. William Johnson and Amanda Lin turned their heads simultaneously.

Emily Smith stood outside the door, caught off guard by the two pairs of intertwined gazes.

Amanda was practically draped over William's body, a posture Emily knew all too well. Just yesterday, she had been pinned against the wall by him in the exact same position.

Memory and reality overlapped, churning a sour taste in her stomach.

"I'm sorry!" She slammed the door shut and fled.

In the elevator, the mirrored walls reflected her pale face. Her fingers clenched the strap of her bag so tightly her nails nearly dug into her palms.

Vivian Lu's words echoed in her ears: "You're just a replacement."

Her phone suddenly vibrated in her bag. An unknown number.

"Who is this?"

"Basement level one. Now." William's voice was laced with ice before the call abruptly ended.

Emily stared at the darkened screen. How did he know she lived here?

The underground garage was damp and chilly. The black Rolls-Royce crouched like a lurking beast, its window half-open to reveal the man's sharp profile.

Sam Wilson opened the car door for her. "Miss Smith."

The interior carried a faint scent of cedar. William crossed his long legs, his slender fingers tapping lightly against his knee.

"Bold of you to trespass," he said suddenly, his voice low.

Emily pressed her back against the seat. "I knocked."

"And?" He turned, dark currents swirling in his eyes. "Proud of interrupting?"

She bit her lower lip. From this angle, she could clearly see the lipstick stain on his collar—bright as blood.

"I'll pay for the lock."

William smirked and abruptly leaned in. The mix of ambergris and tobacco overwhelmed her senses. She instinctively recoiled, her head thudding against the window.

"With what?" His fingertip grazed her earlobe. "Like last time?"

The overhead light cast shadows over his brow. Those usually charming peach-blossom eyes were now terrifyingly cold. Emily suddenly remembered Amanda's manicured fingers, likely resting on this very suit jacket right now.

"You're joking, Mr. Johnson." She turned her face away. "You don't lack women."

The air froze. William gripped her chin, the force making her wince.

"Jealous?"

Footsteps approached outside the car. Emily seized the chance to pull away, her fingers brushing the door release just as the central lock clicked shut.

"Running?" He leisurely loosened his tie. "Weren't you going to apologize?"

His words were cut off by a sudden phone ring. The name "Amanda" on the screen stung her eyes.

William glanced at the caller ID and smirked. "Want to see how I answer her call?"