Chapter 277

"Not busy." William's lips curved slightly, his voice deep and tender. "Miss me?"

"Flying Fish approached me for their new film. Was that your doing?" Emily got straight to the point.

A soft chuckle came through the line. "Emily, when did you start underestimating yourself?"

"Then why did you acquire Flying Fish?"

"For you." His answer was crisp and clear.

Her fingers trembled slightly around the phone. His magnetic voice, like a feather brushing against her heart, made her breath hitch.

"Flying Fish chose you because you're exceptional. I bought it simply to ensure you'd never face injustice." Hearing her silence, he added, "You don’t need to worry."

"I don’t need it." She took a deep breath. "The respect I want, I’ll earn with my own ability."

"Emily—"

"Don’t make me feel like I owe you too much." She cut him off. "More than I could ever repay."

William laughed softly. "Alright, as you wish. I’ll reassess this investment."

She gave a quiet "Mm" before saying, "I’m hanging up."

The dial tone echoed sharply in the conference room. William pocketed his phone and turned to find every executive staring at him in stunned silence.

"Did I interrupt the meeting?" He raised a brow.

"No, not at all!" They waved their hands hastily.

William returned to his seat. "I’ll be more mindful next time."

The executives exchanged glances, not daring to breathe too loudly.

The contract signing with Flying Fish went smoothly.

Except the offered rate was nearly half the market standard. Emily skimmed the terms, her fingers lightly tracing the paper.

"Standard rate for newcomers," the staff explained. "Once you have a portfolio, negotiations will be easier."

She signed without hesitation. Right now, opportunity mattered more than money.

As she stepped out of the building, hurried footsteps sounded behind her.

"Miss Smith, wait!" The contract supervisor rushed out, beads of sweat on his forehead. "We’ve reconsidered. Could we redo the contract?"

Emily frowned. "What do you mean?"

"The compensation... We’d like to adjust it to the standard for top-tier voice actors." He offered an apologetic smile. "What do you think?"

Studying his nervous expression, realization dawned on her.

"No need." She tucked the contract into her bag. "The original terms are fine."

Turning away, she pulled out her phone, her thumb hovering over William’s number. In the end, she didn’t dial.

The setting sun stretched her shadow long behind her.