Chapter 276

Morning sunlight streamed through the floor-to-ceiling windows into the dining room. Emily Smith sipped her coffee quietly while William Johnson flipped through the morning paper across from her.

"I'm heading to work." William set down the newspaper and pressed a kiss to her forehead.

Emily nodded, watching him leave before rising to head to Flying Fish Productions for a voice-acting contract negotiation.

The elevator lobby of Flying Fish Tower buzzed with activity. Just as Emily pressed the button, the elevator doors dinged open.

A slender woman in sunglasses stepped out, trailed by an assistant carrying her bag. The woman moved briskly, nearly colliding with Emily.

Emily sidestepped and only then recognized her—Mia Harris, the once-glamorous A-list actress who hadn't been seen in public for ages.

Mia was shockingly thin now. Her loose blouse barely concealed her protruding shoulder blades, and even the sunglasses couldn't hide her haggard face.

She brushed past Emily but suddenly thrust out a hand to stop the elevator doors from closing.

"You're... Lucy?" Mia removed her sunglasses, her face lighting up with recognition.

Emily gave a slight nod. "I'm Emily Smith."

"Perfect!" Mia grabbed her hand excitedly. "What a coincidence! Could I treat you to coffee?"

Emily subtly withdrew her hand. "I'm sorry, I have an appointment today."

"That's fine, I can wait." Mia leaned in urgently. "Lucy, I heard William is acquiring Flying Fish?"

Emily's heart skipped a beat. An acquisition? Since when?

Mia lowered her voice. "Could you put in a good word for me with Mr. Johnson? Ask him to sign me?" She added conspiratorially, "I know he likes your type."

Emily frowned slightly.

"Don't misunderstand!" Mia hurried to explain. "Back in W City, William only spent time with me because his older brother asked him to. Nothing ever happened between us."

The elevator reached its destination. Emily offered a polite smile. "Miss Harris, I'm not close with Mr. Johnson. You should contact him directly."

As she stepped out, a Flying Fish staff member greeted her warmly and led her to a meeting room, serving her tea.

Once the door closed, Emily immediately dialed William's number.

In the BestTech Group conference room, the presenting executive paused mid-sentence. Everyone watched as William picked up his phone, his lips curving into an uncharacteristically tender smile.

"Sweetheart," he murmured, stepping toward the window, his voice impossibly soft.

Executives exchanged glances, wondering who was on the other end.

"Are you busy?" Emily asked.

"Not at all." William gazed out at the cityscape. "Missing me?"

A chorus of coughs erupted around the conference table.