Chapter 208

The taxi glided smoothly down the street. Daniel Chen's gaze remained fixed on Emily Smith's face, his brow slightly furrowed.

"Have you been skipping meals again these past few days?" He reached out to gently touch her cheek. "Your chin has gotten sharper."

Emily swatted his hand away, her eyes lingering on the dark circles under his eyes. "You're one to talk. Look at yourself—you're practically a panda."

Daniel chuckled, fine lines appearing at the corners of his eyes. "That bad?"

"If your fans saw you like this..." Emily deliberately drew out her words.

Daniel was undeniably handsome. As a television host, he had perfectly symmetrical features and a warm demeanor, his smile as comforting as a spring breeze.

He was nothing like William Johnson. That man's features were too sharp, his gaze perpetually distant, as though he stood above the clouds looking down on the world.

Emily abruptly cut off the thought.

Why was she comparing the two of them? William was already a stranger to her.

"What others think doesn't matter." Daniel suddenly took her hand, his palm warm and dry. "As long as you like it, that's enough."

Emily pressed her lips together in a small smile. "I took the afternoon off. I'll cook you something good to make up for it."

"Really?" His eyes lit up.

"Don't get your hopes up," she warned. "I'm nowhere near as good as you."

Daniel tightened his grip on her hand. "Anything you make, I'll love it."

William returned alone to his apartment at Jinzhou Bay No. 1.

Amanda Lin wasn't there. To her, this apartment was more like a temporary stopover—she only appeared when William was around.

He was used to solitude. Over the years, though many loyal people had gathered around him, he never reported his whereabouts to anyone.

Just as he finished showering, the doorbell rang abruptly.

William picked up his wine glass and walked to the security monitor. Olivia Davis's face was clearly visible on the screen, her makeup flawless, her lips curved in a smug smile.

He took a sip of wine and leisurely made his way to the door.

"William!" Olivia's eyes brightened.

The man had just stepped out of the shower, water still dripping from his hair. The collar of his robe was slightly open, revealing the sharp lines of his collarbone. She inhaled deeply, as though she could catch the scent of his shower gel.

William responded with a cold hum and turned toward the living room.

Unfazed by his indifference, Olivia followed barefoot. She had come with explosive news.

The balcony offered a sweeping view of the city bathed in golden sunset light. William leaned against the railing, his posture as straight and unyielding as a pine tree.

"I have something to show you." Olivia pulled a manila envelope from her bag and stepped beside him.

William didn't turn around, merely swirling his wine glass.

Undeterred, Olivia held the envelope out to him. "Take a look."

After a few seconds of silence, William finally turned and sat on the sofa. He set down his glass and took the envelope.

Olivia watched his every move, her eyes glittering with excitement.

Just as the envelope was about to be opened, William suddenly looked up, his sharp gaze piercing straight through her.