Chapter 153

Sunday morning sunlight filtered through the curtains.

Emily Smith stood before the mirror, adjusting her newly cut short hair that just grazed her shoulders, accentuating her slender neck.

Her phone vibrated. A message from Daniel Chen: I'm waiting downstairs.

"Why the sudden haircut?" His gaze lingered until she fastened her seatbelt.

She twirled a strand between her fingers. "Needed a change."

At the prison gates, Daniel tactfully stayed behind.

"Dad." Emily's voice was soft through the glass.

Henry Johnson's eyes brightened. "My girl gets prettier every time."

She updated him on her sister's condition. The thirty-minute visit passed in a blink.

The Sichuan restaurant buzzed with evening chatter.

Daniel was serving Emily a dish when commotion erupted at the entrance.

Alexander Johnson entered with Sophia Song on his arm. His gaze flickered imperceptibly when it landed on Emily.

As they passed, Emily kept her eyes fixed on the boiled fish in her bowl.

"You know him?" Daniel noted Alexander's lingering look.

She shook her head, poking at a chili with her chopsticks.

The Shen mansion blazed with light.

William Johnson had just left the study when Alexander cornered him in the hallway.

"Amanda Lin was quite the experience." Alexander slowly undid his cufflinks. "Now it's my turn for something fresh."

William's expression turned glacial.

"Emily Smith." Alexander licked his lips. "Since you've discarded her—"

William slammed him against the wall before he could finish.

"Lay a finger on her and see what happens."

"William!" Mrs. He's shriek echoed down the corridor.

Hidden from his mother's view, Alexander smirked.

William released him just as Mrs. He began scolding: "Have you no manners left?"

He strode to his room without turning back, locking the door behind him.

Outside, the moonlight looked sickly pale.