Chapter 230

"Mom, don't push me." Daniel Chen's voice was dangerously low.

Mrs. Chen let out a cold laugh, her well-manicured fingers tapping sharply on the table. "Who's pushing whom here? You made your choices—now take responsibility!"

"I'll take responsibility for the child," Daniel said, his gaze unwavering. "But marrying Sophia Song is out of the question."

"You're ruining the Chen family!" Mrs. Chen stood abruptly, her crimson nails pointing accusingly at Emily Smith. "All for this woman?"

Emily's fingers trembled slightly under the table.

"Miss Smith," Mrs. Chen turned to her, voice shrill, "you claim to love him—is this how you show it?"

"Enough!" Daniel slammed his fist on the table, rattling the dishes.

He took a deep breath, his voice rough. "I'm the one who can't live without her."

Sophia's eyes suddenly welled with tears. "Daniel, the child needs a father—"

"Shut up!" Daniel's glare was icy. "You don’t deserve to be a mother."

Mr. Song set down his teacup with deliberate calm. "Young man, think carefully about the consequences."

Only then did Emily recognize him—the powerful governor of W Province.

"Daniel, let's go," she whispered, her voice barely audible.

Without hesitation, Daniel took her hand and strode out.

The car was suffocatingly silent. Emily stared at the blur of city lights outside, her nails digging into her palms.

When they pulled into the underground garage, she finally spoke. "We need to talk."

Daniel's hand paused on the ignition. "Not here. At home."

"Let's break up." Emily turned to him, forcing a faint smile. "Please."

"Never!" He gripped her shoulders tightly. "I'll protect you and Xiaoyi."

"How?" Emily gave a bitter laugh. "How will you stand against the Songs? Will you gamble your parents' futures?"

Daniel's throat moved, but no words came.

"I'm not worth it." Emily looked away. "The truth is, I don’t even like you that much."

"You're lying." His voice shook.

"Know why I never slept with you?" Emily suddenly smiled. "Because I was thinking of someone else."

Daniel's face paled instantly.

"Last night, I dreamed of him." Her voice was soft. "It was William Johnson."

The air turned to ice.

Daniel's tears hit the steering wheel, scattering like shattered glass.