Chapter 15

For two consecutive days, Emily Smith hadn't seen William Johnson.

She went to work alone as usual.

She visited the hospital alone to care for her sister.

She ate alone.

She lived alone.

This kind of life had long become her normal.

On the other hand, Song Yan was unusually attentive.

She delivered breakfast and dinner punctually every day, timing it perfectly.

Emily even wondered if this so-called "golden housekeeper" had installed a tracker on her.

On Saturday morning, just as Emily finished changing and was about to leave, the doorbell rang right on schedule.

"Miss Smith, hasn't Mr. Johnson returned yet?" Song Yan asked casually while setting up breakfast.

Emily shook her head.

"When will he be back?" Song Yan pressed.

"I don't know," Emily replied flatly.

A flicker of displeasure crossed Song Yan's face. "Isn't he your cousin? Why don't you ask him anything?"

Emily looked up at her. "Would you like me to call him right now and ask for you?"

"No, no!" Song Yan waved her hands hastily, forcing a professional smile. "Enjoy your meal, Miss Smith."

After breakfast, Emily followed her routine—first visiting her sister at the hospital, then heading to her tutoring session.

Her English tutoring classes were in high demand.

Since taking on this student, the child had gone from being at the bottom of the class to consistently scoring above 95.

The parents had voluntarily doubled her hourly rate from $50 to $100.

That day, as the session ended, the father suddenly stopped her and shoved a stack of cash into her hand.

"Mr. Yang, I only accept my agreed-upon fee," Emily said, trying to pull her hand back, but he held on tightly.

"Emily, as long as you keep teaching well, any bonus you want—"

"Lao Yang! Look who's here!" The wife's voice suddenly called from the foyer.

They both looked up to see William Johnson entering with Olivia Davis on his arm.

Emily's breath caught.

The cash slipped from her fingers and scattered across the floor.

She knelt to gather the bills, her peripheral vision catching the familiar dress shoes walking past without so much as a glance in her direction.

Laughter soon filled the living room.

Emily separated the money into two stacks and approached the group.

"Isn't this your classmate's cousin?" Olivia asked with feigned surprise.

William gave Emily a dismissive glance. "I'm also curious why she's here."

"Mrs. Yang," Emily handed over the money, "here's $800 returned to you. The remaining $400 is my fee. Starting today, I will no longer be tutoring your child."

Her voice was soft, but it cut through the artificial cheer in the room like a blade.