Chapter 198

William Johnson's eyelashes fluttered slightly, like butterfly wings brushed by the wind.

He spoke slowly, his voice low and measured. "Stop using those underhanded tactics against Emily Smith. She's far more pitiable than you."

Yesterday after work, Amanda Lin had deliberately ordered her driver to speed up, splashing muddy water all over Emily. William had watched coldly from the sidelines, making no move to intervene.

In that moment, he saw half her body drenched in filthy water.

"Helpless and alone?" Amanda scoffed, her eyes filled with mockery. "William, you're wrong. Isn't her greatest protector you?"

William's eyes snapped open, his dark gaze piercing through her like an abyss. A sudden chill crawled up Amanda's spine, and she shuddered involuntarily.

"If you cut ties with her completely, I promise I won't trouble her again," she said, softening her tone.

William's brow twitched, but he gave her no further response.

The fever came on fast and fierce.

Emily lay in bed, her forehead burning. She had taken sick leave, her mind drifting in and out of consciousness.

Daniel Chen and Mia Harris took turns watching over her.

By evening, she briefly regained awareness and saw their exhausted faces. Her eyes reddened instantly.

"I'm sorry for burdening you both."

Mia looked ready to smack her. "If you don’t want us to worry, then get better quickly!"

Daniel brought her a bowl of warm porridge, carefully feeding her spoonfuls.

But after just a few sips, she rushed to the bathroom and vomited violently.

By the third day, the high fever had subsided into a low-grade one.

Michael Thompson and Lily White came to visit. Emily forced herself to stay alert long enough to discuss work briefly.

On the fourth day, she could still only manage half a bowl of plain porridge.

In the car that morning, William asked casually, "Is she still in the hospital?"

Sam Wilson glanced at him through the rearview mirror. "I heard Miss Smith has pneumonia. Her fever won’t break."

The documents in William's hands crumpled under his grip.

"Send the best doctors." His voice was icy.

"Pneumonia usually takes a week to recover from," Sam couldn’t help adding.

William shot him a cold look and said nothing more.

In the office, William's temper was worse than usual.

When Grace Lee emerged with red-rimmed eyes, John Zhang pulled her aside. "What’s wrong with the boss?"

"Emily Smith is hospitalized," Grace whispered.

John’s expression cleared with understanding.

By eight that night, William was still in his office.

Finally gathering his courage, John knocked on the door—clutching a piece of good news.