Chapter 260

Mia snatched the towel from Emily's hands, roughly drying her damp hair. "Are you stupid? Why didn't you say yes?"

"It's not appropriate." Emily lowered her lashes. "My father is still in prison."

Mia's hand paused. She scoffed and tossed the towel aside. "True. Dating someone like William Johnson would be a disaster waiting to happen."

"Do you think I..." Emily bit her lower lip, her voice fading.

"If you like him, go for it!" Mia slapped her back. "You've already slept together. Who cares if it lasts? Enjoy it while you can!"

Emily stumbled from the force of the slap.

"Life's short, got it?" Mia gripped her shoulders. "Imagine being eighty and regretting never sleeping with the guy of your dreams. That's real tragedy."

Emily burst into laughter.

...

Morning sunlight filtered through the curtains. Emily stretched, surprised she'd slept so well.

Today was her visit to Grasshopper Audiobook. She applied flawless makeup and dressed in professional attire. At 8:30, her editor Yin texted that the driver was on his way.

After nearly an hour, her phone finally rang.

"Miss Smith, I'm at the gate." The driver's voice was icy.

A black Mercedes idled by the curb. As Emily opened the door, an odd perfume scent hit her.

"Are you a Grasshopper employee?" she asked cautiously.

The driver glanced at her through the rearview mirror. "I just drive."

The car suddenly turned onto an unfamiliar road. Emily's pulse quickened. "Is this the wrong way?"

"Picking up another anchor," the driver replied curtly.

Emily discreetly texted Yin. No response.

When the car entered a hotel's underground garage, her finger hovered over the emergency contact button.

"Why are we going underground—"

The driver suddenly pulled out a spray bottle.

"Pssht—"

William's voice came through her phone. "Emily?"

"Hel—" Her vision blurred. The phone slipped to the floor with a dull thud.