Chapter 232

"Thud!"

A muffled sound.

The door slammed hard into Emily Smith's forehead. She cried out in pain, her body swaying uncontrollably backward.

Instinctively, she reached out to grab something, but her fingers closed around empty air.

Just as she was about to hit the floor, a warm, strong hand clamped around her wrist.

William Johnson yanked her forward, stepping in to pull her firmly into his arms.

Before Emily could steady her racing heart, he had already scooped her up and strode out of the bathroom.

"Let me go!" she snarled hoarsely, struggling.

William looked down at her, his gaze icy. His voice simmered with suppressed fury. "I thought you were dying. Seems you're still full of energy."

She looked terrible. Her face was ghostly pale, her lips cracked as if scorched by the sun. What infuriated him most was her voice—so ragged it was barely recognizable.

And yet, she had dared to hang up on him. Blocked his number.

She was practically begging for trouble.

"My life is none of your business!" Emily rasped, fighting with all her strength.

William scoffed and carried her toward the exit.

Her struggles were feeble in his arms—she couldn't even overpower a chicken.

"Where are you taking me? Put me down!" Frustration and anger sharpened her tone when her resistance proved useless.

"What do you think?" he ground out between clenched teeth, stepping out of the apartment.

Sam Wilson, waiting outside, swiftly closed the door and hurried to press the elevator button.

Emily's voice cracked with panic. "It's just my period! I don't need a hospital!"

William glanced down at her and sneered. "You're not just on your period. You've got a fever frying your brain."

Trembling with rage, she balled her fists and pounded his chest. "Put me down! Now!"

He watched her coldly, as if observing a farce.

"Ding—"

The elevator doors slid open.

William carried her inside, Sam following closely behind and pressing the button for the underground garage.

"I won't go to the hospital! Cough... cough..." Emily's shouting triggered a violent coughing fit.

The elevator stopped at the next floor.

As the doors opened, Daniel Chen stood frozen in shock, rooted to the spot.

Emily's coughing ceased abruptly.

She thrashed wildly, only to worsen her coughing.

William shot Daniel a frosty glare before looking away.

Sam pressed the close button.

The doors sealed shut, cutting off the three of them from each other's sight.

Less than thirty seconds later, the elevator reached the garage.

William carried her toward the black Rolls-Royce.

Sam rushed ahead to open the rear door.

Curled up in the back seat, Emily covered her mouth as she coughed violently.

A bottle of opened water appeared in front of her.

She turned her face away, continuing to cough against the window.

William's temper flared at her stubbornness.

He took a large gulp of water, then abruptly dragged her against him.

One hand cradled the back of her head as he crushed his lips to hers.

Forcing the water into her mouth.

Emily fought desperately.