Chapter 180

Emily stepped out of the elevator on the 67th floor. Instead of heading straight to her desk, she turned toward the restroom.

The mirror reflected her flushed cheeks. The skin beneath her fingertips burned unnaturally hot.

What was wrong with her?

That sudden kiss from William had sent her heart racing out of control.

Did she still have feelings for him?

Emily shook her head violently.

It was just an involuntary physical reaction—nothing more. Any woman would blush when touched by someone she desired.

It had nothing to do with William specifically.

She took deep breaths, splashing cold water on her face until her reflection looked normal again. Only then did she smooth her expression and return to her seat.

At the end of the workday, Daniel Chen waited outside the building as usual.

Emily didn’t leave until 6:30 PM.

Daniel naturally wrapped an arm around her waist, leaning in to kiss her cheek.

She instinctively flinched but forced herself to stay still at the last second, letting his lips brush her skin.

"What would you like to eat?" he asked gently.

"Whatever you prefer." She forced a small smile.

Daniel held the car door open for her. As Emily settled into the passenger seat, her peripheral vision caught a faint silhouette by the 67th-floor window.

She knew exactly who it was.

At the restaurant, Emily pulled a bank card from her purse and slid it across the table.

"Your mother gave this to me."

Daniel took it with a guilty expression. "I'm sorry. I'll handle this. I won’t let my parents' disapproval come between us."

"They only want what’s best for you," Emily murmured, sipping her water. "If you ever feel like this is too much—"

"I won’t." He grasped her hand firmly. "I’ve already chosen you."

Emily met his determined gaze and gave a faint nod.

The next two weeks passed uneventfully.

William seemed to have left Jinzhou—a piece of information she’d accidentally overheard from Grace Lee.

Daniel’s parents had also returned to their hometown, leaving her in peace.

The only thing troubling Emily was her body’s instinctive resistance whenever Daniel tried to get close.

Once, she forced herself to endure his kiss but pulled away after just a few seconds.

Daniel never pressured her, but his patience only deepened her guilt.

Tonight, Daniel was working late, so Emily took a taxi home alone.

She had just settled into the backseat and given the driver her address when she noticed his odd stare in the rearview mirror.

Midway through the ride, the car abruptly pulled over.

Emily, wearing earbuds and scrolling through her phone, assumed it was a red light.

Then the opposite door was yanked open.

A tall figure swiftly slid in beside her.

Before she could react, the driver hit the gas, and the car shot forward like an arrow.

Emily’s heart plummeted.