Chapter 16

Emily stepped out of the gated community as dusk settled. Her high heels clicked against the pavement for nearly half an hour before she reached the bus stop.

The night breeze carried a chill. She tugged at her thin collar.

A black Rolls-Royce Phantom glided silently to the curb. The rear window lowered with smooth precision.

William's sharp profile flickered in the dim light, his eyes shut.

"Get in." His voice was low, commanding.

Emily hesitated before pulling the door open and sliding inside.

The scent of sandalwood filled the car. Before she could settle, the partition rose between them.

"Sanitize." His order was clipped.

She spotted the disinfectant wipes in the console but didn’t move.

William’s eyes snapped open. He seized her wrist, his grip brutal as he dragged the wipe across her skin, leaving angry red marks.

"It hurts—" she gasped.

A cold smirk curled his lips. Suddenly, he yanked her hand toward him.

Emily recoiled like she’d been burned, her face flushing crimson.

"Did last time teach you nothing?" William’s gaze narrowed. "Tutoring costs four thousand. Here, it’s five."

Her lips pressed tight. The memory of searing pain still lingered in her throat.

"Unwilling?" His voice roughened.

She lifted her eyes to meet his smoldering stare.

"Two more days… please?" Her voice trembled.

William scoffed, forcing her palm onto his thigh. "Think I can wait?"

Her fingertips burned. She jerked her hand back.

"Do it yourself." She turned away, offering her sanitized hand.

His expression darkened.

Thirty minutes later, Emily was dumped at the mall entrance.

She watched the taillights vanish, then unclenched her fists. Her left hand held a black card. Her right was swollen and hot.

William had shoved the card at her, demanding she replace her worn-out clothes—faded jeans and a tight blouse, a gift from her best friend four years ago.

The mall blazed with light. After two hours, she picked two discounted outfits. At checkout, she quietly pocketed the black card.

The aroma of Japanese food from the seventh floor made her stomach growl. As she approached the restaurant, Emma and her friends blocked her path.

"Look who’s slumming it here," Emma sneered, eyeing the shopping bag.

Emily tried to sidestep them, but Emma grabbed her arm.

"That’s William’s cologne on you." Emma’s face twisted.

Before Emily could react, she was shoved to the ground. The black card slipped from her pocket. Emma snatched it up.

"1002… This is William’s card!" She screeched, slapping Emily hard. "You thief!"

Emily yanked the card back and shoved Emma away.

"Call him if you dare." Her laugh was icy.

Emma dialed instantly, her voice sugary. "William, someone stole your card—"

Hanging up, she smirked. "He says you stole it!"

While Emily was stunned, Emma snatched the card again and barked at her friends, "Hold her!"

They pinned Emily against the glass railing.

"Search her!" Emma ripped open her bag, scattering her belongings across the floor.