Chapter 223

In the luxurious apartment complex of Splendor Heights, Mia Harris's residence buzzed with quiet activity.

Daniel Chen wolfed down his dinner before rushing off to the television station. A late-night talk show awaited his hosting duties.

Mia hovered near the kitchen doorway, peeking in until Emily Smith playfully nudged her away with damp hands.

"Stop causing trouble," Emily chuckled, shaking her head. "I still remember the three plates you broke last time you tried washing dishes."

Mia pouted and wandered into the living room. When Emily finally emerged, drying her hands, Mia suddenly pounced from behind, resting her chin on Emily's shoulder.

"Taking you somewhere fun tonight," Mia whispered, eyes twinkling. "Way more exciting than staying home to write."

Emily opened her mouth to refuse, but Mia covered it with her palm. "Just humor me. This new project's been killing me lately."

Under her best friend's pleading gaze, Emily sighed. "Fine. But we're back by midnight."

Mia whooped with delight and dragged her toward the walk-in closet.

Half an hour later, Mia's crimson sports car pulled up before an elegant courtyard. Red lanterns glowed between dark tiles, their light illuminating the bold calligraphy above the gate: "Serenity House."

George Taylor waved at them from beside a stone lion statue.

"You?" Emily blinked in surprise.

George's smile turned mysterious. "The real surprise is inside."

They followed winding paths through bamboo groves and trickling streams, laughter growing louder with each step. Pushing open carved wooden doors, they entered a warmly lit space where well-dressed guests mingled in small groups.

Ethan Zheng dominated a card table, while Ryan Song conversed by the floor-to-ceiling windows, wineglass in hand. The crowd nodded in greeting as the women entered.

Emily's gaze swept the room. Just as she relaxed, familiar footsteps sounded behind her.

"Looking for me?"

William Johnson's voice brushed against her ear, his breath warm against her neck. Emily stiffened, whirling around so abruptly she nearly collided with his chest.

Mia gasped. "How did you—"

George quickly tugged her arm, shooting her a warning look.

William stood with one hand in his pocket, the other jingling car keys. His intense stare pinned Emily in place. "Not happy to see me?"

Her fingers tightened around her purse strap, nails digging into her palms. "Vice President Johnson must be joking."

"I never joke." In full view of everyone, William suddenly seized her hand. "Especially with you."

A chorus of shocked inhales rippled through the room. Ethan's cards slipped from his fingers. Ryan's wine sloshed over his glass rim.

Emily yanked her hand back, cheeks burning. "Have some decency."

William chuckled lowly before addressing the stunned crowd. "Mind if I borrow the tea station?"

The young woman steeping tea scrambled aside. With effortless grace, William settled onto the cushion, his long fingers arranging the tea set like a practiced ritual.

"Sit." He glanced up at Emily's frozen form and patted the space beside him.

Mia tugged Emily's sleeve. "Maybe we should—"

"No need." Drawing a deep breath, Emily straightened her spine and took the seat opposite him at the low table. "Since we're here, no point ruining everyone's mood."

The corner of William's mouth lifted as he slid a freshly poured cup toward her. In the white porcelain, amber tea leaves shimmered under the overhead lights, casting golden flecks across the surface.

"Try it," he murmured. "Your favorite—Phoenix Oolong."