Chapter 165

"Emily Smith, you certainly have a sharp tongue."

His dark gaze pinned her in place, each word gritted through clenched teeth. "Good. Keep it up."

With that, his expression stormy, he turned and strode away.

The others exchanged bewildered glances.

In the entire office, only Emily and Michael Thompson seemed unfazed—everyone else looked utterly lost.

During lunch break, Michael discreetly pulled Emily aside.

"You're still young, Emily. You have a long road ahead." His tone was fatherly. "Sometimes, you need to learn to bend—especially around those more powerful than you."

Emily nodded obediently. "Thank you for the advice, boss. I understand."

"Understand?" Michael frowned. "Then why did you act like that earlier—"

"I was just trying to please Vice President Johnson," she said, blinking innocently.

Please him?!

Michael's lips twitched. "I think you nearly gave him a heart attack instead."

"Did I?" She tilted her head, feigning cluelessness.

Michael sighed, rubbing his temples.

———

Late the next night, Emily stepped out of the subway station to a torrential downpour.

It had been clear when she boarded the train.

Almost eleven now. Daniel Chen was working overtime and couldn’t pick her up. She hadn’t brought an umbrella.

Even if she had, it wouldn’t have stood a chance against this storm.

The streets were nearly empty. The occasional taxi that passed was already occupied.

She tried hailing a ride, but the app showed over twenty people ahead of her—at least a thirty-minute wait.

Her apartment was only a ten-minute walk from the station.

Running would be faster.

She’d shower as soon as she got home—no risk of catching a cold.

Taking a deep breath, Emily hoisted her waterproof bag over her head and dashed into the rain.

She’d barely gone a few steps when a car horn blared behind her.

A sleek black luxury sedan pulled up ahead.

The window rolled down, revealing a familiar face.

"Get in."

William Johnson’s voice cut through the downpour.

Emily glanced at him—then kept running.

But before she could take three more steps, a strong hand seized her arm.

"Ah—!"

She stumbled backward, colliding with a solid chest.

The next second, she was shoved into the car.

"William—!"

She struggled, but he was already sliding in beside her, slamming the door shut.

"Drive," he ordered coldly.

"William Johnson, have you lost your mind?" Emily glared at him. "Even if I’m your employee, you can’t just—"

"Kidnap you?" His eyes darkened as he gripped her chin. "Emily Smith, you’re getting bolder."

Yesterday’s anger still simmered in him.

The fury in his chest burned hotter.

Emily realized her own temper had grown shorter too.

She needed to ask him for a favor—she should back down.

But right now, she couldn’t rein in her rage.

She turned her face away, refusing to look at him.

"What were you trying to say yesterday in the Business Department?" His irritation flared at her silence. "No one’s here now. Spit it out."

What was she trying to say?

Emily almost laughed.

The anger inside her suddenly dissolved.