Chapter 159

"Miss, where to?" The driver studied Emily Smith through the rearview mirror.

Her fingers curled slightly as she gave the hotel name: "Four Seasons."

She couldn't return to her apartment, and Jinzhou Bay was out of the question. The Four Seasons was close to Sky City—perfect.

"Got it." The driver stepped on the gas.

Emily scooted closer to the door, nudging the heavy head resting on her shoulder.

She was already pressed against the door with nowhere left to retreat.

Each time she pushed him away, the head would slump back onto her. After several attempts, she realized he was faking it.

Her phone screen lit up as she began booking a room.

In the rearview mirror, the driver's gaze lingered on her neckline.

When they reached a red light, the driver stole another glance—only to meet eyes colder than ice.

He shuddered and kept his eyes forward after that.

Emily booked the cheapest room available. Sixteen hundred—half her monthly food budget.

As she put her phone away, the man beside her remained motionless, eyes closed. She turned to watch the neon lights blur past the window.

"We're here."

While scanning the payment QR code, the bellhop opened the rear door. She asked for help with the drunk man.

At the front desk, William Johnson draped himself over her. When staff tried to assist, he only leaned harder into Emily.

By the time they reached the room, her back was drenched in sweat.

The moment she thanked the staff and closed the door, an arm locked around her waist.

The world spun as she tumbled onto the soft mattress.

"William!"

Gasping like a fish out of water, she struggled. Her pushing hands were easily pinned as scorching breath burned her ear.

"You bastard... You told me to leave..."

Her tearful protests and weak punches gradually faded.

"I have a boyfriend... We're getting married..."

Tears weighed down her lashes until they finally closed.

When her breathing steadied in sleep, the man above her opened his eyes—

Not a trace of drunkenness remained.

He propped himself up, fingertips brushing her tear-stained cheeks. His gaze softened as if beholding fragile treasure.