Chapter 273

Neon lights flickered across Emily Smith's face through the car window.

William Johnson's fingertips traced her collarbone, sending shivers down her spine. She instinctively grabbed his wandering hand, only for him to intertwine their fingers.

"Stop it," she whispered, glancing toward the front seat where James sat.

The privacy partition slid down silently, enclosing them in an intimate space.

William's breath scorched her neck. "I missed you."

Those three words made her heart skip. She bit her lower lip as his burning lips trailed across her skin.

"Ouch..." she whimpered.

He paused, lifting his head to reveal smoldering desire in his eyes. A low chuckle escaped him. "Then let's try somewhere else."

His fingers tilted her chin up as he kissed her fiercely. Emily melted into the sudden passion, her fingers clutching his shirt.

"Seems like..." William pulled back slightly, his gaze dropping to her chest. "They've gotten bigger?"

"Stop talking nonsense!" She smacked his arm in embarrassment.

Inside the private dining room, William peeled shrimp with meticulous care. Translucent morsels piled up in her bowl.

"Eat more." He wiped his fingers. "You're too thin."

Emily chewed slowly when loud voices erupted outside.

"William!" David Brown swaggered in with his entourage, eyes raking over Emily. "And who's this..."

The air turned glacial.

William rose slowly, shielding Emily behind him. "Get out."

That single phrase drained David's face of color. Remembering his last encounter with the police, he retreated hastily.

On the drive back, Emily stared blankly at passing scenery.

"Penny for your thoughts?" William twirled a lock of her hair.

She shook her head, but he cupped her chin. "Keeping secrets from me now?"

The hospital corridor reeked of antiseptic. Emily massaged her sister's arm while recounting recent events in a soft voice.

Leaning against the doorframe, William's eyes narrowed—he distinctly saw the girl's fingers twitch.

"Emily." He spoke abruptly on their way out. "What are your plans after Annie wakes up?"

She looked up from her phone. The screen's glow illuminated the fleeting uncertainty in her eyes.