Chapter 288

Xu Ran excused herself to the restroom but slipped into the villa's living room instead.

She curled up on the leather sofa, animatedly video-calling Olivia Davis. "Liv, you wouldn't believe it. That Emily Smith is shameless beyond words. Dressed like some streetwalker, throwing herself at Vice President Johnson—"

A tall figure suddenly reflected on her phone screen.

Xu Ran jerked her head up. Her hand trembled when she met William Johnson's icy gaze, and her phone clattered onto the sofa.

"V-Vice President Johnson..." She scrambled to her feet, face pale.

William picked up the phone leisurely, glancing at the ongoing call. A dangerous smirk curled his lips. "Go on."

Xu Ran fumbled to end the call, voice shaking. "Miss Davis made me—"

"Good footage." He tossed the phone back to her. "Make sure to capture more intimate shots of Emily and me."

As he walked away, Xu Ran's legs gave out. She collapsed onto the floor, her back drenched in cold sweat.

Late at night, Emily tiptoed into Mia Harris's room, hugging a pillow. The click of the lock echoed sharply.

William rubbed his temples, listening to the laughter next door.

The blue glow of his laptop illuminated his face as the video conference dragged on until 2 AM. When he finally shut it off, he glanced at the untouched door and sighed.

The bedside clock read 3 AM. William still lay awake.

Then—a faint twist of the doorknob.

He shut his eyes instantly, lips quirking. This little minx couldn't resist after all.

A shadowy figure crept in.

The intruder confirmed William was alone under the dim phone light, breathing growing ragged.

The rustle of clothes being shed pierced the silence.

Just as cold skin was about to touch the sheets—William's eyes flew open. His leg shot out in a swift sweep.

"Ah—!"

A heavy thud. A woman's terrified shriek.

The bedside lamp flicked on, illuminating Xu Ran's naked, trembling form on the floor.