Chapter 199

The atmosphere in the vice president's office was suffocating.

William Johnson's slender fingers tapped on the keyboard. The cold glow from the screen accentuated the sharp angles of his face, adding to his icy demeanor.

David Brown knocked lightly before entering cautiously.

"Sir, Mrs. Johnson called. She said your uncle had an appendectomy at Second People's Hospital and asked if you'd visit."

"Uncle?" William's brows furrowed slightly as irritation flashed across his face.

Meeting David's meaningful gaze, realization dawned on him.

A glimmer of approval appeared in his eyes as he closed his laptop.

"Everything prepared?"

"All set." David smiled knowingly.

William grabbed his suit jacket and strode out purposefully.

......

VIP ward, Second People's Hospital.

Emily Smith slowly opened her eyes, her vision still blurry.

"Awake?" Daniel Chen's gentle voice reached her as he helped the nurse remove her IV.

She noticed the city lights glowing outside the window.

"What time is it?"

"Almost nine." Daniel adjusted her bed and carefully tucked in her blanket. "Hungry? What would you like?"

Emily suddenly remembered he'd taken days off to care for her.

"Sorry, I was sleeping too deeply." She smiled apologetically, some color finally returning to her pale face.

Daniel affectionately ruffled her hair. "Silly, no need to be formal with me."

He leaned closer. "Want your favorite spicy noodles?"

Her eyes lit up briefly before dimming. "Too far. Let's order delivery."

"No trouble." Daniel stood up. "I remember you liked that stinky tofu from Food Street too."

He kissed her forehead. "Wait for me. I'll be quick."

Watching him leave, Emily's lips curved unconsciously.

She went to the bathroom and barely recognized her haggard reflection in the mirror.

Splashing cold water on her face helped clear her mind.

When she opened the door, she froze.

The tall figure on the sofa made her breath catch.

William was staring intently at her, his dark eyes unreadable.

Emily clenched her fists, nails digging into her palms.

After three seconds, she turned expressionlessly and walked straight to bed.

Pulling up the covers, she lay down with her back to him and closed her eyes.

The entire motion was fluid, as if no one else occupied the room.

William's gaze never left her. His Adam's apple moved slightly, but no words came out.