Chapter 156

The salty taste of tears spread between her lips as William Johnson gradually slowed his movements before stopping completely.

When he released Emily Smith, her face was already streaked with tears.

Disheveled strands of hair clung to her forehead. The corners of her eyes were red, her nose slightly swollen, and her lips glistening with moisture. She looked like a shattered porcelain doll—beautiful in a way that made one's heart ache.

William took a step back, releasing his grip.

Emily opened her tear-filled eyes and gazed at him with crystalline clarity.

Adjusting her collar, her voice came out hoarse. "William Johnson, I'm a person. Not your plaything."

"If you don't want Professor Johnson to continue treating my sister, then this ends here." She lifted her chin, a faint smile curling at the corner of her lips. "Even a rabbit will bite when cornered."

With that, she turned and walked away, her retreating figure resolute.

William remained rooted in place, his knuckles turning white from how tightly he clenched his fists.

...

After that day, William never appeared in Emily's life again.

Her days became busy yet fulfilling. Royalties from Grasshopper Audiobook flowed in steadily, and her income from game dubbing was substantial. When her bank balance surpassed a million, she could hardly believe it was real.

That evening, Daniel Chen walked her home as usual.

"Goodnight," she said, about to step out of the car when his hand caught hers.

Daniel looked at her tenderly. "You haven't said goodnight to me yet."

"Goodnight, Daniel."

He leaned in, pressing a kiss toward her forehead. Just as their lips were about to meet, the sudden glare of high beams cut through the darkness.

Emily instinctively turned her face away.

"Goodnight," she murmured hastily, brushing a kiss against his cheek before fleeing the car.

Back in her apartment, she had just picked up her script to practice when her phone buzzed.

A voice call notification from George Taylor lit up the screen late at night.

Emily stared at it, her finger hovering over the answer button.