Chapter 250

Sam's report took only fifteen minutes.

Every detail of Emily Smith's recent movements was documented.

This included every person she had interacted with.

When the name "Ethan" kept reappearing, William Johnson's knuckles tightened unconsciously.

Veins snaked across the back of his hand.

So her rejection had been so firm because she already had options.

The realization made his chest tighten.

He stood abruptly.

The black leather sofa screeched against the floor.

Under the dressing room lights, he yanked on a leather jacket with rough movements.

The roar of an engine split the night.

The neon sign of a street food stall glowed brightly in the darkness.

Emily was picking up a piece of perfectly grilled squid when Ethan handed her a napkin.

"The secret sauce here is amazing," Ethan said with a smile, his gaze lingering on the sauce at the corner of her lips.

Just as Emily was about to wipe her mouth, the surrounding chatter quieted slightly.

A shadow fell over her.

She looked up, and her chopsticks clattered onto the table.

William stood behind her, one hand in his pocket, his cap pulled low.

But it couldn't hide the sharp line of his jaw.

Ethan's eyes darted between them.

"And this is...?"

William had already pulled out a plastic chair and sat down.

His long legs looked cramped in the small space.

He removed his sunglasses, revealing those unmistakable peach-blossom eyes.

"She didn't mention me?" William arched a brow, his tone carrying a dangerous intimacy.

The tips of Emily's ears turned red instantly.

Ethan's pupils constricted.

That face, often seen in financial magazines, was now right in front of him.

"V-Vice President Johnson?"

Ignoring his shock, William picked up Emily's used spoon.

He scooped up a mouthful of the now-cold seafood congee.

"Not bad," he said slowly, chewing while locking eyes with Ethan.

"Though the timing could be better."

Ethan's Adam's apple bobbed.

"I'm Emily's..." William deliberately drew out the pause, watching Emily's tense profile.

"...suitor."

The last word landed lightly, like a boulder crashing into still water.

Emily whipped her head around to glare at him.

Ethan's smile froze.

"Seems I came at the wrong time." William suddenly stood, pulling a few bills from his wallet and pressing them onto the table.

"My treat."

He leaned down and whispered something in Emily's ear.

Her lashes trembled violently.

By the time Ethan regained his composure, William's figure had already disappeared into the crowd.

Emily's fingertips were unconsciously rubbing her earlobe.

It was red as if about to bleed.