Chapter 212

The phone buzzed incessantly in her bag. Amanda Lin glanced at the caller ID and declined Shen Huaiqing's call for the third time.

The tech elites in the private room exchanged knowing looks before politely excusing themselves. Amanda maintained her graceful smile until the last guest had left.

The black Maybach glided out of the club. Finally, Amanda retrieved her phone from her bag. The moment the screen lit up, her pupils constricted sharply.

Thirty-seven missed calls.

The red notification dot on WeChat kept climbing. Her fingers trembled as she opened the call log—most were from her father, with a few from close friends.

William Johnson reclined against the leather seat, eyes closed. Amanda bit her lip and dialed her father.

"You finally answer?!" His roar nearly shattered the car speakers. "Get your ass to the Shen residence now!"

Amanda instinctively looked at William. The man didn't even flinch, as if he'd anticipated this storm.

"Dad, what—"

"If I don't see you in thirty minutes, consider yourself disowned!" The line went dead with a violent click.

Clutching the overheated phone, she whispered, "Can we stop by the mansion first?"

William finally opened his eyes, his gaze fathomless. "It's on the way."

Neon lights flickered outside the window. When Amanda tapped the link her friend had sent, her nails scraped the screen with a grating sound.

Nine GIFs dominated the trending list. Her arched neck and Alexander Johnson's contorted expression were unmistakable beyond the censored blur.

"You knew already?" Her voice was ice.

William turned, his eyes skimming her trembling screen. "Alexander knows your habits well."

Those practiced movements couldn't lie.

Amanda suddenly laughed, the corners of her eyes turning crimson. "Because you wouldn't touch me."

The car plunged into silence.

"Why did you agree to the marriage alliance?" She seized William's sleeve.

He pried her fingers off one by one. "I was waiting for your confession."

Streetlights flickered across Amanda's bloodless face. "What if I were—"

"No what-ifs." William pressed the partition button. "We're here."