Chapter 278

When Emily Smith signed the new contract with Flying Fish, the old one was shredded into pieces right before her eyes. She watched the confetti-like scraps flutter through the air, a faint smile playing on her lips.

There was no need to guess why Flying Fish had changed their stance so abruptly—it had to be William Johnson's doing. She unlocked her phone, her finger hovering over his contact for a moment before she locked the screen again.

She'd ask him when he got back.

At 6:15 in the evening, her phone buzzed. William's deep voice came through the receiver: "I have a business dinner tonight. Want to come with me?"

"No." Emily was putting yogurt into the fridge. "Remember to eat something before you drink."

A low chuckle sounded from the other end. "So concerned about me? Why not supervise in person?"

"Let Mr. Zhang keep an eye on you." She deliberately hardened her tone. "I'm hanging up."

"Em—" William suddenly softened his voice, sounding like an abandoned puppy. "You don't even care about me."

Her fingers stilled.

"I'll make you a midnight snack when you get back," she heard herself relent.

"What will you make?" he pressed.

"Whatever you want."

"You."

The call ended abruptly. Emily stared at the darkened screen, her ears burning.

Mia Harris was waiting for her at the Japanese restaurant. The moment they met, Mia pinched her chin and examined her face. "What kind of love potion did William give you? You're glowing—"

"Look who's talking." Emily swatted her hand away.

Mia leaned in, whispering, "Seriously, what's it like sleeping with William?"

Emily nearly choked on her wasabi.

When she returned to Jinzhou Bay, the apartment was empty. She opened the fridge to find it bare. She dialed the housekeeper. "Ms. Song, could you send up some groceries?"

Ten minutes later, Song Yan stood at the door with two large bags of fresh ingredients, her demeanor unusually deferential. "Would you like me to put them away for you?"

"No need." Emily took the bags, noting the woman's curious gaze.

Just as she finished organizing the groceries, a commotion sounded at the entrance. She turned to see Sam Wilson and Zhang Xiao'an supporting a tipsy William inside—Sam was holding a giant pink teddy bear, while Zhang carried a massive bouquet of red roses. The scene looked like something out of a wedding.

"He's drunk—"

"Em!"

William suddenly broke free from their hold, snatched the teddy bear, and lunged at her. Emily had no time to dodge before she was knocked backward.

But the expected pain never came.

She sank into a sea of soft fur as rose petals rained down around her. William's warm breath brushed against her neck as he murmured, "Got you."