Chapter 254

The elevator doors slid open, freezing Mr. Yan's expression mid-smile.

"Mr. Johnson? Mr. Yan?" He Ye was the first to react, flashing a bright grin. "What a coincidence!"

His gaze shifted to Emily Smith, winking playfully. "Emily, did Mr. Johnson come specifically to pick you up after work?"

Emily pressed her lips together, silent.

"Exactly." William Johnson admitted without hesitation, extending a slender hand toward her. His voice softened impossibly. "Sweetheart, come here."

That elegant hand remained stubbornly outstretched before the elevator doors.

"You two know each other?" Mr. Yan finally found his voice, his smile strained.

William arched a brow, tone definitive. "I'm pursuing her."

Mr. Yan inhaled sharply, immediately gesturing obsequiously toward Emily. "Emily, please—I wouldn't dare keep you waiting."

Emily sidestepped William's hand, striding quickly into the elevator.

The next instant, warm fingers enveloped her cool ones without permission.

He Ye tactfully positioned himself beside Mr. Yan.

"Since you're here, Mr. Johnson, why not join us for dinner?" Mr. Yan rubbed his hands together eagerly. "Emily and He Ye are both available."

William's gaze never left Emily's face. "What do you think, sweetheart?"

Emily glared at him.

"Sorry, I have plans tonight." Her refusal was icy.

"Another time then." William conceded smoothly.

Mr. Yan chuckled. "With Emily around, there'll be plenty of opportunities."

The elevator reached the lobby. William led Emily out of the building, trailed by Mr. Yan and He Ye until they watched the pair enter the black Maybach.

The moment the car door closed, Emily shook off his hand.

"Angry?" William leaned closer, studying her expression.

"William Johnson," Emily met his eyes directly. "Your pursuit is your business, but must the entire company know?"

William blinked, then nodded earnestly. "My oversight. I'll be more discreet."

"And," Emily turned her face away. "Stop using me as an excuse to visit the office."

Amusement flickered in William's eyes. "Understood. Tomorrow I'll come just for you."

Emily whipped her head back. "..."

"Hungry? What would you like to eat?" He reached for her hand again.

This time she didn't pull away, though her tone remained cool. "I'm visiting Amy at the hospital."

"I'll go with you."

"No need." She frowned. "Go eat."

William tightened his grip, pausing. "What's wrong?"

Emily drew a deep breath. "We shouldn't be serious. If it's just physical needs, keep it casual like before. No commitments necessary."

"Sweetheart..." William's eyes instantly softened, resembling a wounded puppy.

The stark contrast to his usual commanding CEO demeanor made Emily avert her gaze.