Chapter 187
His gaze was like a bottomless abyss, cold as a thousand-year-old frozen lake, or the ocean before a storm—heavy with suffocating intensity.
Daniel Chen met William Johnson's eyes and actually felt relieved.
"Vice President Johnson, thank you for stepping in tonight," Emily Smith said from the doorway, her voice cool and distant. "Daniel and I will treat you to dinner another time."
She looked up at Daniel and murmured, "Let's go."
Daniel wrapped an arm around her shoulders, and the two walked away together.
William remained on the couch, his knuckles turning white as he watched their intimate figures disappear down the hallway.
——
When they returned to the Sky City apartment, Mia Harris was predictably absent.
Before Daniel could ask, Emily laid everything out.
She confessed her past with David Brown.
She recounted his relentless harassment.
She detailed how the taxi driver had conspired with David to abduct her that night.
Only the most degrading details were omitted.
The bruises David had left were hidden beneath her clothes. She tightened her coat, and Daniel noticed nothing.
"My clothes got torn," she said lightly.
When she mentioned William's timely intervention, even she seemed puzzled.
Daniel had heard of David before.
As Emily spoke, he suddenly slammed his fist onto the marble coffee table with a dull thud.
"I'm fine," Emily said, taking his reddened hand. "Don't do that."
Daniel pulled her into his arms, his voice shaking. "I failed to protect you. This time, I won't let him get away."
Though his roots in Jinzhou were shallow, his father's connections would ensure David paid the price.
"Mm." Emily rested her head on his shoulder and said no more.
She was truly afraid.
If David were released, she might not escape again. Whether it was William or Daniel, as long as he stayed locked away forever, she would be grateful.
That night, Daniel slept on the living room couch, while Emily's bedroom door remained open.
But she tossed and turned, unable to sleep.
The lingering terror refused to fade.
More questions swirled in her mind.
Why had William appeared just in time?
Why had he looked so frantic when he burst in?
What did those moments of tenderness mean?
These thoughts grew like weeds until, at five in the morning, she finally drifted off.
Daniel, listening to the sounds from her room, stayed awake all night. Only when he was sure she was asleep did he quietly close her door.
Without her phone alarm, Emily slept until the sun was high.
When she opened her eyes and saw light streaming through the curtains, she bolted upright.
Tuesday! She was going to be late!
Assuming Daniel had already left, she rushed to the bathroom to wash up.
Her reflection showed a pale face. She quickly applied light makeup, changed, and hurried out.
The rich aroma of porridge greeted her.
Daniel was in the kitchen. He turned at the sound of her footsteps. "Almost ready."
Emily meant to refuse breakfast and rush to work, but instead she said, "Can I borrow your phone? I need to call in."
Daniel gave her the passcode.
She dialed BestTech's main line and asked for Michael Thompson.
When she requested leave, Michael agreed easily. "Take your time. Handle what you need first."
"Thanks, boss." As she hung up, Daniel brought out a steaming breakfast.