Chapter 155

Emily lowered her lashes, her fingers unconsciously twisting the hem of her blouse.

William's gaze darkened, the rhythm of his knuckles tapping the desk growing increasingly rapid. "Emily Smith, how many times have I warned you?" His voice was laced with ice. "You're getting better at attracting attention."

"I haven't," she said softly, yet every word was clear.

"Haven't?" He suddenly smirked, twirling a pen in his palm. "Daniel Chen visits your workstation daily. Michael Thompson texts you at midnight. And you call that nothing?"

"Daniel is my boyfriend." She lifted her head abruptly, a spark of defiance in her eyes. "Manager Thompson was just discussing work. In your eyes, is normal social interaction a crime?"

"Boyfriend?" William leaned forward abruptly, the scent of sandalwood mingling with danger. His fingers brushed the silver chain at her collarbone, his voice turning cold. "Already lining up your next option? Were you planning to leave all along?"

Emily's breath hitched.

The absurdity of the question almost made her laugh. She turned her face away, her tense profile reflected in the floor-to-ceiling window.

Silence thickened the air. Suddenly, William seized the necklace, the silver chain glinting sharply under the light.

"Daniel gave this to you?" His thumb traced the pendant.

It was a birthday gift from Mia. But she didn't bother explaining, pressing her lips together.

A crisp snap echoed.

As the necklace clattered into the trash bin, Emily reacted like a startled cat. She lunged for it, only to be intercepted by an iron grip. The world spun as her back hit the cold desk.

"William Johnson!" Her nails dug into his arm. "How dare you—"

"Because your father is still in prison." He pinned her wrists above her head with one hand, his breath hot against her ear. "Because your sister's medical bills still come from my account."

The words doused her like ice water. Her lashes trembled violently, all resistance freezing midair.

His kiss was punishing. Emily turned her face away, only for the back of her head to meet his waiting palm.

"I have... a boyfriend..." The fragmented protest was swallowed by their tangled breaths.

As silent tears slid into her hairline, she heard the sound of a pen rolling across the floor.