Chapter 220

Emily's high heels clicked urgently against the marble floor as she rushed out of the restaurant.

The elevator doors were sliding shut.

"Wait!" She thrust her hand into the sensor zone, forcing the metal doors open.

William stood at the center of the elevator, his sharp shoulders accentuated by the black suit. A flicker of surprise crossed his eyes before being swallowed by dark intensity.

"Give me the bill." Emily panted, fingers flying across her phone screen. "I'll transfer the money now."

David beside them felt the air pressure plummet.

William suddenly let out a cold laugh and slammed the close button with long fingers.

"Ding—"

Emily stepped into the elevator just in time. The confined space filled with the faint scent of cedar, mingling with the citrusy fragrance from her hair.

"Vice President Johnson." She stubbornly held up her phone. "I don't like owing favors."

William's eyes darkened. He leaned in abruptly, cornering her. His warm breath brushed her ear. "Are you sure you want to settle things this clearly with me?"

The elevator began descending.

David awkwardly turned his face away.

"Yes." Emily met his gaze, her lashes casting delicate shadows under the overhead light. "We're already even."

As the doors slid open, a flash of pink hurled itself inside.

"William!" Olivia wrapped herself around his neck like an octopus. "I came to pick you up!"

Emily retreated half a step, her back pressing against the cold elevator wall.

Olivia finally noticed her presence, her saccharine smile freezing. "What are you doing here?"

"Miss Davis." David intervened smoothly.

Emily silently pressed the close button. In the final second before the doors shut, she heard William's indifferent voice. "She followed me here."

The elevator's ascent made Emily grip her handbag tighter.

Back at the table, Michael was adding food to her plate. "Why the rush? The food's getting cold."

"Ran into someone I know." She forced a smile, her gaze flickering to the window—William was being dragged toward the parking lot by Olivia.

Her phone buzzed.

[10 AM tomorrow. My office.] The sender read "William Johnson."

Emily stared at the message until the screen went dark.

"Try the lobster." Michael's voice pulled her back. "I saved it for you."

She picked up her chopsticks, noticing her fingers trembling slightly.

Meanwhile, in the underground garage, Olivia yelped. "William, you're hurting me!"

He loosened his grip on her wrist, his gaze icy. "Olivia Davis, don't test my patience."

"I don't care!" Olivia rubbed her wrist, tears welling. "You're single now. I'm moving in with you!"

William yanked open the car door without looking back. "Go ahead and try."

As the engine roared, Olivia stomped her foot in frustration. She pulled out her phone and dialed. "Brother! William was mean to me again!"

A weary sigh came through the line. "Olivia, enough is enough."