Chapter 176

Emily Smith snapped back to reality and shook her head hastily. "No, I'm not hung up on William Johnson. I don't love him. Since I chose to be with you, I wouldn't think about anyone else."

"Really?" Daniel Chen's piercing gaze bore into her.

"Absolutely." Emily met his eyes directly. "I swear, I haven't thought about William since being with you."

"Then why did you keep meeting him?" Daniel's voice suddenly rose. "Why did you lie to me?"

Emily froze.

"Can you honestly say you never lied?" Daniel pressed forward relentlessly.

She suddenly remembered something. "Are you talking about that time..."

"Yes, that time." Daniel laughed bitterly. "You spent the night with William at the Four Seasons Hotel. Why did you lie about it?"

He lowered his head in self-mockery. "No, the lie isn't even the main issue. The real question is—" He looked up sharply. "Why did you spend the night alone with him in a hotel after our breakup, when you were already my girlfriend?"

"Daniel..."

Emily took a deep breath. "I apologize. But nothing happened that night."

"William got drunk at The Royal Club. His friend called me to pick him up." She explained the entire incident. "I didn't want to go, but he's the VP of BestTech. I was worried it might affect my colleagues."

"Nothing at all happened?" Daniel stared at her intensely.

"I swear." Emily nodded. "After taking him to his room, I was exhausted and fell asleep. He was completely passed out—what could possibly happen?"

"And today at the restaurant," Daniel continued, "you saw him again?"

"Yes." Emily admitted frankly. "It must have been a coincidence. After talking with your mother, he happened to come to the rooftop garden."

"Then why did you leave without telling me?" Daniel pressed. "That's not like you."

Emily was silent for a moment. "Daniel, why don't you ask your mother? Ask her what she said to me. Ask her how she feels about us."

She looked up. "A relationship opposed by parents won't bring happiness. Your kindness toward me will eventually be worn down by these conflicts."

Finally, Daniel understood.

"Emily, I apologize for my mother." He stood up, his voice firm. "But I won't agree to a breakup. I'm an adult, and my feelings are my own decision."

He leaned down and took her hands. "Let me sort things out with my mother. Until then, don't overthink things, okay?"

Meeting his resolute gaze, Emily gave a slight nod.