Chapter 190

The glass door of the Business Department had barely closed when whispers began spreading through the office like wildfire.

Grace Lee's figure disappeared into the elevator, her high heels clicking against the marble floor. Several female colleagues immediately huddled together, exchanging meaningful glances.

"Did you see that? The chief secretary personally delivered a phone to Emily."

"Since when does Vice President Johnson pay such attention to his subordinates?"

The gossip floated into Emily Smith's ears. She kept typing without flinching, as if completely detached from the conversation.

The landline rang just as she was staring blankly at the report on her screen.

The caller ID displayed "Vice President's Office." Her fingers trembled slightly.

"Emily, phone call," the colleague beside her kindly reminded.

Taking a deep breath, she pressed the answer button.

"Come up." William Johnson's voice came through the receiver, commanding and leaving no room for refusal.

"It's lunch break," she clenched the receiver.

The sound of rustling papers came from the other end before the man chuckled darkly. "Shall I come down and get you myself?"

The call ended abruptly.

During the thirty-second elevator ride, Emily stared at the ascending floor numbers, her nails digging into her palms.

Grace stood by the secretary's desk with a knowing smile. "The Vice President has been waiting for you."

The office door was slightly ajar. Before she could knock, a deep male voice called out, "Enter."

William lounged in his leather chair, idly spinning a phone with his long fingers. Seeing her enter, he slid the device toward her.

"Last chance. Do you want it?"

Emily stared at the familiar phone, her throat tightening. "No need. My boyfriend—"

"Daniel Chen?" William cut her off, a mocking glint in his eyes. "Where's the new phone he bought you?"

Her breath hitched.

Suddenly, he unlocked the phone and tapped the screen twice. Immediately, the sound of heavy breathing and moans filled the spacious office.

"Oh... William..."

Every drop of blood in Emily's body turned to ice.

She lunged for the phone, her knee slamming hard against the desk edge. Pain made her vision blur, but she still managed to grab the device.

The recording stopped abruptly.

William watched with amusement as her trembling fingers fumbled across the screen. "Looking for something? The chat records?"

Her head snapped up, eyes blazing with fury. "When did you—"

"Last night." He leaned forward, his warm breath brushing her ear. "When you were begging me through tears."

The words struck her like a slap.

David Brown's twisted face flashed before her eyes. She staggered back two steps until her back hit the cold glass wall.

"Delete it," her voice came out hoarse. "Or I'll resign immediately."

William's eyes darkened.

His long fingers swiped across the screen before decisively pressing the delete button. He tossed the phone back onto the desk with a metallic clatter.

Emily turned to leave.

The moment his hand closed around her wrist, she caught the familiar scent of cedar. His burning palm against her icy skin sent a shiver through her entire body.