Chapter 204

William Johnson's eyes darkened instantly, a terrifying storm brewing in their depths. His jawline tensed, his Adam's apple bobbed, and his knuckles turned white from gripping too hard.

The air inside the elevator seemed to freeze.

Emily Smith refused to look at him. She reached out and pressed the button for the 50th floor. The metal emitted a crisp click.

"Ding—"

The moment the doors parted slightly, she slipped out sideways. Her retreating figure was resolute, never once looking back.

William closed his eyes briefly, his lips curling into a self-deprecating smile.

......

A week passed, and that tall, imposing figure never reappeared in the office.

In the break room, Emily held her coffee cup as colleagues whispered, "I heard Vice President Johnson went on a business trip to Europe."

Her fingers trembled slightly, sending ripples across the surface of her coffee.

Her resignation had already been approved. Handing over her tasks methodically felt like saying goodbye to her past self with each completed file.

"Are you really leaving?" A colleague clutched her hand reluctantly.

Emily smiled and nodded. "It's not like we'll never see each other again."

Her phone screen lit up—a message from Daniel Chen: "Dinner at my place tonight?"

At the dinner table, Daniel shot up from his seat when he heard about her resignation. The chair screeched against the floor.

"That's great!" He seized her hands, his eyes shining brightly. "Now you can focus on voice acting."

Emily lowered her gaze to their intertwined fingers and murmured a soft, "Mhm."

Daniel suddenly stilled. He took a deep breath and leaned in slowly.

She saw his lashes tremble, his breathing growing uneven.

The moment their lips touched, Emily instinctively stiffened. Daniel's kiss was gentle and restrained, tentative with caution.

When his hand slid to her waist, Emily shoved him away abruptly.

"Bang!"

Daniel collided with the dining table behind him, sending a glass toppling over.

They both spoke at the same time:

"Sorry!"

Emily hurried to steady him, but her fingers recoiled the instant they brushed his warm skin.

"I was too hasty." Daniel's ears flushed red, his voice low and rough.

She shook her head, nails digging into her palms. "I just need more time."

Daniel suddenly smiled, the corners of his eyes softening. "Okay."

He tucked a loose strand of hair behind her ear and asked softly, "Want to try again?"

Emily froze.