Chapter 149

William Johnson abruptly looked up, his dark eyes fixed on her with a chilling sneer. "You dare mention her? If you hadn't come begging to me, would I even be here?"

Emily Smith shook her head desperately, her entire body trembling.

But William was relentless, determined to teach her a lesson.

Gazing up at his cold, unyielding face, terror surged through her like a tidal wave. Instinctively, she cried out, "William, don't! Or I'll hate you—I swear I'll—"

Her last word was cut off abruptly.

Whether it was the word "hate" that struck him or something else, William suddenly froze, as if paralyzed.

He stared down at the woman beneath him, her face streaked with tears, the veins in his temples throbbing violently.

Instinct urged him to continue.

Yet he forced himself to stop.

Emily shut her eyes in despair and turned her head away.

The car was filled with nothing but heavy breathing.

After what felt like an eternity, William pulled back and moved to the window, fishing out a cigarette and lighter. With a sharp click, the flame flickered to life, casting shadows across his sharp profile.

Emily remained motionless, silent tears still rolling down her cheeks.

The scent of nicotine slowly permeated the air.

Much later, a coat was gently draped over her. The partition lowered, and William spoke to Sam in the front seat. "Take her home."

"Yes, sir." Sam kept his eyes forward and immediately changed direction.

Emily finally sat up, straightening her disheveled clothes.

All the buttons were gone, but the zipper still worked. She wrapped William’s suit jacket tightly around herself, shielding her body completely.

The moment the car stopped, she pushed the door open and fled.

William’s eyes snapped open, but all he saw was the frantic silhouette of her retreating figure.

The next morning, Emily was at work when her phone buzzed with a bank notification.

Over $17,000 in royalties—sent by Grasshopper Audiobook.

She stared at the screen, stunned. Her book had been taken down two weeks ago. Why was there so much money now?

What should have been good news only reminded her of last night’s humiliation, sending a wave of unease through her.

William had just been with Amanda Lin, then turned around and humiliated her. And now, this sudden payment—what was his game?

Hesitantly, she sent a message to her editor, Yin Yin.

The reply came instantly: Sweetie, I was just about to reach out to you!

Emily forced a bitter smile.

Your book with Shan Shan Er Chuan is back online! The site has reimbursed all the unpaid royalties and is giving it a major promotion~

Her book was back up?

She quickly opened the Grasshopper Audiobook app and saw their work prominently displayed on the homepage, with bold promotional banners.

The higher-ups went crazy for a bit—we were just following orders. Don’t be mad~

The site wants to make it up to you. Not only is your book back, but we’ve secured the best resources and featured spots for you. You’re always welcome to return~

Emily read the rapid-fire messages, tempted to refuse outright. But remembering William now owned Grasshopper, she swallowed her words.

Thanks. I’ll think about it.

After sending that, she immediately closed the chat and forced herself to focus on work.