Chapter 222

On her first day after leaving BestTech Group, Emily Smith stretched by the floor-to-ceiling window of Mia Harris's apartment. Sunlight streamed through the glass, casting a golden glow around her.

She pulled out her phone and dialed her Grasshopper Audiobook editor, Yinyin.

"Yinyin, I'm ready to take on a new book."

A delighted squeal came through the phone. "Oh my god! My golden goose finally has time again!"

Emily chuckled. She should've realized sooner—why give up earning opportunities just because William Johnson was the company's vice president? Her voice was genuinely popular, and her fans' love was real.

Yinyin worked quickly, sending over a list of a dozen high-quality titles to choose from. Emily settled on a historical political drama about a lowly palace maid who rises to become empress—right up her alley.

By evening, the kitchen was filled with mouthwatering aromas. Tied in an apron, Emily moved deftly around the stove, her spatula flipping as eight perfectly plated dishes took shape.

"Babe, you're amazing!" Mia held up her phone, snapping pictures frantically. "You could open a private dining business with skills like this!"

Daniel Chen helped set the table, and the three raised their glasses in a toast.

"To Emily's newfound freedom!" Mia declared loudly.

The clink of crystal glasses rang clear. Emily smiled softly. She'd set herself a new goal: earning a million a month. It sounded impossible, but she believed hard work would get her there.

Mia immediately posted the spread on social media, with such exaggerated captions that Emily shook her head.

A notification chimed.

"Who is it?" Emily asked casually.

Mia glanced at her screen. "That playboy George Taylor." Her fingers flew across the keyboard, completely missing Emily's sudden stiffness.

Meanwhile, in a private room at an upscale club...

"Holy shit! Emily can cook?" Ethan Zheng gaped at his phone. "She could be a professional chef!"

George smacked the back of his head. "Keep your dirty thoughts to yourself."

The door swung open as William strode in, his suit jacket draped over his arm, tie loosened, exuding lazy elegance.

"What's all the excitement about?" he asked idly.

After a pause, George handed him the phone. William's gaze dropped to the nine-grid photos—those hands were unmistakable. The final close-up of three overlapping glasses made his eyes turn icy.

"Any plans tonight?" William's voice was deceptively calm. "Invite Mia along."

George understood instantly, pulling out his phone. "I'll arrange it."

William downed his drink in one go, slamming the glass onto the table with a sharp crack.

He was curious to see just how high Emily could fly without his protection.