Chapter 234
The car came to a smooth stop in front of the VIP ward building at the downtown hospital.
Emily Smith was about to push the door open when William Johnson swiftly rounded the vehicle from the other side. Just as her feet were about to touch the ground, he bent down and scooped her up in his arms.
"William!" She struggled, pounding her fists against his chest.
The man tightened his grip and glanced down at her with narrowed eyes. "One more move, and I'll have Professor Schievink return to his country immediately."
Emily froze instantly.
Inside the elevator, she stared at the changing floor numbers, acutely aware of the warmth radiating from his chest. His scent of cedarwood mixed with faint tobacco made her hold her breath unconsciously.
In the hospital room, her younger sister lay quietly on the bed. William set Emily down on the sofa before turning to instruct his assistant to summon the doctor.
"Check her throat," William ordered with a slight tilt of his chin when the doctor entered.
Emily looked up in surprise, meeting his deep gaze. She pressed her lips together but ultimately didn't protest.
After a thorough examination, the doctor concluded, "Severe vocal cord inflammation caused by overuse and emotional suppression."
William's eyes lingered on her pale face for a moment. Caregiver Amy Green handed Emily a pair of cotton slippers, to which she murmured her thanks.
"When will Professor Schievink arrive?" Emily asked eagerly.
"That depends on your behavior," William replied coldly. "Today's performance was unsatisfactory. We'll discuss it another time."
Emily clenched her fists, suppressing her anger. "Thank you for your concern. You may go now."
A humorless chuckle escaped him. "Emily, your skill at burning bridges has improved."
Ignoring him, she turned and sat by her sister's bedside. Her slender fingers expertly massaged the girl's stiff muscles as she spoke in soft, soothing tones.
William leaned back on the sofa, his gaze never leaving her. The setting sun's glow through the window cast a golden halo around her, making even her hair shimmer.
The sudden ring of his phone shattered the moment. When he returned after taking the call, he found Emily asleep with her head resting on the bed. Her lashes cast delicate shadows under her eyes, accentuating her fragility.
He carefully gathered her in his arms as if cradling a priceless treasure.
When she awoke, the room was dark. Emily sat up abruptly, recognizing the glittering night view of Jinzhou Bay through the familiar floor-to-ceiling windows.
"Awake?"
The deep voice came from the corner. William emerged from the shadows, his suit jacket removed and tie hanging loosely around his neck.
"Why did you bring me here?" She threw off the covers, ready to get up.
"Do you want your sister to wake up?" He remained motionless. "Be my girlfriend."
Emily froze, staring at him in disbelief. Moonlight streamed through the window, casting shifting shadows across his sharply defined features.
The words "my girlfriend" echoed unnaturally loud in the silent room.