Chapter 245

William finally lifted his gaze to glance at the woman, his brow furrowing slightly before his expression softened as he turned back to Emily.

"Sweetheart, who is this?"

The term of endearment sent a tremor through Emily's heart.

She pressed her lips into a faint smile, her eyes briefly flickering over the woman.

"Daniel's fiancée, Miss Sophia Song. She came to deliver a wedding invitation."

"Ah, Mr. Chen's fiancée." William nodded politely, his gaze cool and distant as he regarded Sophia.

"Since Mr. Chen has looked after Emily before, we’ll certainly attend the wedding."

Understanding his intent, Emily flashed him a radiant smile and picked up the invitation.

"Lily's surgery is about to start. Let's go."

"Alright." William wrapped an arm around her waist as they turned to leave.

"Vice President Johnson!" Sophia called out urgently. "I'm—"

Without looking back, William guided Emily away with long strides.

Only after settling into the car did Emily finally exhale in relief.

"Thank you."

"This wasn't an act." His gaze burned into her.

Her breath hitched, and she averted her eyes.

"Please take me to the hospital."

"Drive," William instructed Sam.

When the car stopped in front of the surgical wing, Emily thanked him and hurried out.

At the elevator, William followed.

"Is there something else?" she asked.

"Kicking down the ladder after crossing the river," he muttered, his tone aggrieved.

The elevator doors opened, and they stepped in one after the other.

The red light above the operating room was already lit.

"Aunt Amy, how is she?" Emily asked the caregiver.

"They just went in. Don’t worry," Aunt Amy reassured her.

Emily sat on the bench, and William took the seat beside her.

"Don’t you have anything better to do?" She didn’t look at him.

Leaning his head back against the wall, he turned to study her.

"Being with you today is my priority."

The surgery dragged on. Emily pulled out her phone to review some recordings.

At some point, William dozed off, his head slipping onto her shoulder.

The moment his lips brushed her skin, her ears burned.

"Will—"

"Let him rest," Sam whispered. "He hasn’t slept properly in two months."

Emily glanced at his exhausted face and couldn’t bring herself to push him away.

She straightened her posture, letting him settle more comfortably.

Time passed, and her shoulder grew numb.

But she remained still, unwilling to disturb his sleep.