Chapter 285
The underground parking garage was dimly lit. Emily Smith stared blankly at the concrete pillars flashing past the car window. William Johnson's face lingered in her mind, but she couldn't recall where she'd seen him before.
As the car turned the final corner, a familiar white sedan approached from the opposite direction. Michael Thompson's car.
Emily instinctively shrank back into her seat. Even though she knew he couldn't see her, her heart skipped a beat. She remembered how William had shielded her in front of everyone earlier, declaring her as his "girlfriend" with unwavering certainty.
"It'll spread eventually..." she murmured to herself, her fingers tapping lightly on her phone screen. Maybe next time she came to the office, she should bring some pastries for her former colleagues.
Once the car parked, she sent William a message: I'm here.
In the conference room, William's phone screen lit up. A glance at it made the corners of his lips lift unconsciously. The executive giving the presentation noticed and brightened his tone.
"Let's take a five-minute break," William announced, standing up and leaving a room full of bewildered executives.
This was the third time this week. Ever since he'd gotten a new girlfriend, Mr. Johnson had changed completely. His usual stern expression during meetings was now frequently softened by smiles. Even when projects went wrong, he handled them with calm composure.
The elevator ride to the garage took less than two minutes. William yanked open the car door, immediately pulling Emily into a fierce kiss. It was urgent and rough, as if making up for what they'd missed at lunch.
"How's Mia today?" he finally asked, releasing her and brushing his thumb over her slightly swollen lips.
Emily caught her breath. "Much better than yesterday."
"Good." He wrapped an arm around her shoulders. "What do you want for dinner?"
"Let's eat at home."
William suddenly remembered something. "Are you free Friday night? A new hot spring resort just opened in Jiuting. They invited us for a soft opening." Seeing her hesitation, he added, "Mia Harris is going too."
Emily's eyes lit up. "Then I'll need to ask for leave from Feiyue."
"Why bother asking?" William pinched her nose. "The boss is right in front of you."
By the time they returned to Jinzhou Bay, it was already dark. Emily had expected to order takeout, but instead, she watched as William rolled up his sleeves and headed to the kitchen.
"You're cooking?" Her eyes widened in surprise.
William pulled her into his arms, resting his chin on the top of her head. "You cooked lunch. My turn for dinner. Fair exchange."
Laughing, Emily slipped away and retreated to her room to look something up. Half an hour later, the aroma of food wafted through the air. She tiptoed to the kitchen doorway and saw William intently searing a steak.
His white shirt sleeves were rolled up to his elbows, revealing his well-defined forearms. The sizzling sound from the pan filled the kitchen, the scent of butter and rosemary mingling in the air. His profile looked especially striking under the light, even the shadow cast by his lashes was perfect.
Emily leaned against the doorframe, lost in thought. How could Amanda Lin have ever let go of a man like this?