Chapter 286

The sizzling steak released an enticing aroma. William Johnson's slender fingers held a spoon as he drizzled melted butter evenly over the surface.

Emily Smith was drawn by the fragrance and tiptoed toward the kitchen.

Just as she was about to wrap her arms around his waist from behind, William turned sharply and pulled her into his embrace.

"Hungry?" He lowered his head and pressed a kiss to her forehead.

"The smell alone made me hungry." Emily tilted her face up, her eyes brimming with laughter.

"Go get the plates." He released her.

As Emily turned to fetch the utensils, William had already plated the pasta, drizzling it with the pre-made tomato beef sauce and sprinkling fresh green thyme over it.

The dining table was set with two steaks, pasta, and a colorful salad. Simple Western dishes became exquisite under his hands.

William uncorked a bottle of Lafite, the deep red wine swirling in the glass.

He carefully cut the steak on his own plate and exchanged it with Emily's.

Watching his thoughtful gesture, Emily suddenly thought of Amanda Lin. How could such a perfect man ever let her go?

The thought made the smile on her lips fade.

"What's wrong?" William immediately noticed the shift in her mood.

Emily forced a smile. "I didn't know you were such a good cook."

He took her hand, his gaze intense. "You can tell me if something's bothering you."

Emily took a sip of the wine. "I just feel sorry for Amanda..."

"Jealous?" William chuckled.

She didn’t answer, instead spearing a piece of salad with her fork.

"My relationship with Amanda isn’t what you think," William said, swirling his glass.

Emily looked up in surprise. "What do you mean?"

"You thought I loved her?" he countered.

"That’s what everyone says."

"No." William shook his head. "Pursuing her had another purpose. Marriage wasn’t my choice either."

Emily’s eyes widened. "Someone forced you?"

"Call it voluntary, but it wasn’t out of affection." He fed her a piece of steak. "At most, there was a brief attraction."

The answer only deepened Emily’s confusion.

"Want to know the truth?" William raised his glass.

Without hesitation, she drank.

"In a few days, I’ll take you to Switzerland to meet my uncle," he said, gazing at her. "Then you’ll understand."

At the mention of Henry Johnson, William’s eyes darkened.

"Chairman Shen, he..." Emily asked cautiously.

"His condition isn’t optimistic," he replied tersely.

Emily tactfully didn’t press further. Unnoticed, half the bottle of wine had been emptied. Her cheeks flushed pink, her gaze growing hazy.

William watched her slightly intoxicated state, a shadow of deeper meaning flickering in his eyes.