Chapter 237

Emily Smith gazed out the window at the passing scenery, her fingers unconsciously twisting the hem of her shirt. Professor Schievink's treatment plan was finally confirmed—her sister would be saved.

But the cost...

"A hundred million dollars," she whispered, her voice barely audible.

William Johnson sat across from her, his long fingers tapping lightly on his knee. "No need to repay it," he suddenly said.

Emily's head snapped up, meeting his deep, unreadable gaze.

"Just be my girlfriend," he said, the corner of his lips lifting. But there was a hint of seriousness in his eyes.

"Is this a transaction?" Her voice trembled slightly.

William shook his head. "No." He paused. "A request."

Silence settled briefly in the car. Emily lowered her lashes, shadows falling across her face. "Thank you," she finally said.

"Thank me?" William chuckled. "Then cook me dinner."

Emily blinked at him in surprise.

"Consider it your gratitude," he added, his eyes holding a quiet expectation.

"Alright," she agreed with a nod.

As the car pulled into the supermarket parking lot, Emily was still mentally planning the menu. William suddenly spoke up. "Can I make requests?"

She hesitated. "Sure."

He listed eight dishes—each one a delicacy Mia Harris had flaunted on her social media. Emily pressed her lips together. "Isn't that too much?"

"Not at all." A mischievous glint flickered in his eyes.

At the supermarket entrance, Emily stopped William before he could step out. "I'll go alone."

"Afraid of being photographed?" He raised a brow.

"Yes," she admitted honestly. "I don’t want to trend."

With a resigned sigh, William settled back into his seat, watching her slender figure disappear through the automatic doors.

In the seafood section, Emily struggled to hold onto a thrashing grouper. Suddenly, a warm, familiar hand covered hers.

"Let me." His voice was low beside her ear.

She turned, barely recognizing him. William had discarded his tie, his shirt casually untucked beneath his jacket. A baseball cap and sunglasses obscured most of his face, making him look like a trendy street-style guy.

"Just let the staff handle it," she said, pulling her hand back and heading toward the meat section.

William watched her walk away, his lips curving unconsciously. He picked up the cleaned fish and followed, finding her already selecting ribs and black-bone chicken.

The shopping cart filled without either of them noticing. William trailed behind her quietly, watching the focused curve of her profile as she picked vegetables. A strange sense of contentment welled up inside him.

At checkout, he reached for his wallet, but Emily was faster—her payment QR code already displayed. "I'm paying," she said firmly.

William laughed and put his card away. As they stepped outside, he suddenly took her hand.

"People are watching," he murmured, his warm breath brushing her ear.

Emily tried to pull away, but his grip tightened. She looked up, meeting his amused gaze—and her heartbeat stuttered.