Chapter 179

Sunlight outlined William Johnson's tall figure by the floor-to-ceiling window, casting a golden halo around him. His fluent American English echoed through the spacious office as he spoke into the phone.

Emily Smith's footsteps made him glance sideways. His dark eyes swept over her before he continued dictating product development details to the caller.

The technical jargon was lost on Emily, but she knew it had nothing to do with BestTech Group's business. She stood quietly, her fingers unconsciously tracing the edge of the folder in her hands.

The moment the call ended, William turned. His obsidian eyes, deep as an abyss, swallowed her reflection whole.

"Any instructions, Vice President?" Emily broke the silence first.

The corner of William's lips curved slightly as his gaze shifted to the desk. Two folded A4 sheets and a gold card lay conspicuously on the polished surface.

The "breakup compensation" Mrs. Chen had thrown at her.

Emily's pupils contracted. She hadn't expected to see them here—let alone retrieved by William.

"Thank you." She reached for them, but the instant her fingers brushed the papers, his hand closed around her wrist.

"That slap that night," William stepped closer, "deserves an explanation."

Emily scoffed, lifting the gold card. "Isn't this answer enough?"

"What if I told you I didn't do it?" His breath suddenly warmed her ear as he leaned down.

"It doesn't matter anymore." She tried to pull free. "Let go."

William tightened his grip instead. "That was the first time anyone's ever struck me." His thumb stroked the inside of her wrist. "Don't you think it matters?"

Emily shut her eyes briefly. "Do whatever you want—hit me, punish me."

She tilted her face up, lashes trembling. Sunlight filtered through the glass, scattering golden flecks across her porcelain skin.

William's gaze darkened. Without warning, he dipped his head and nipped her lips—not too hard, not too gentle.

"You—" Emily's eyes flew open. She raised her hand to strike, but he caught it midair.

"Next time," he stepped back, Adam's apple bobbing, "it won't be this simple."

Emily's fingertips burned. Memories of being reduced to tearful pleas under his torment flooded back, setting her ears aflame.

She snatched the items and bolted for the door.

William watched the door sway, then lifted a hand to touch his lips. The faint sweetness of her lipstick lingered.

His gaze dropped to the growing strain against his trousers. A bitter laugh escaped him.