Chapter 297

Emily Smith stepped out of the Leap Recording Studio and shivered as a cold wind hit her. She tightened the collar of her coat and glanced at the familiar black Maybach parked by the curb.

The car door slid open silently, revealing the tall figure of William Johnson. He pulled her inside in one swift motion, his heated kiss descending before she could react. Emily found herself pressed against the seat, her senses filled with his crisp cedar scent.

"Stop..." She pushed against him, but he caught her wrists. Only when they were both breathless did William finally release her, though clearly reluctant.

Emily curled up in his arms like a startled rabbit. She knew this man's wicked tendencies too well, fearing he might take things further in the confined space.

"Scared?" William chuckled lowly, casually picking up a document to flip through. Emily peeked and saw pages filled with English text.

"This isn't BestTech's file, is it?" she asked offhandedly.

William pinched her soft cheek. "Clever."

Emily didn’t bother pressing further, struggling to sit up. "Let me go."

"Uncomfortable?" He adjusted his posture with mock seriousness. "Better now?"

Frustrated, Emily gave up resisting and pulled out her phone to study her script. Despite her 168cm height, she looked almost petite in his embrace. The two of them—one reading documents, the other scrolling through her phone—created an oddly harmonious scene.

Outside the window, the scenery grew increasingly bustling. Emily looked up. "Where are we going?"

William closed the file and kissed her cheek. "To try on dresses and jewelry."

"What do I need those for?" She laughed. Luxury items felt worlds away from her life.

"Daniel Chen's wedding this Friday. Forgot?" He tapped her nose.

Emily froze. She had forgotten—and couldn’t fathom why William remembered so clearly.

"You’re really going?"

"Of course." He raised a brow. "A man keeps his word."

Emily was speechless. He was the one who had accepted on her behalf.

"Next weekend is Old Master Lu's 80th birthday. You’re coming with me." He idly played with her fingers.

"Olivia Davis’s grandfather?" Emily’s eyes widened.

When William nodded, her face fell instantly. "I don’t want to go."

"Then I’ll cancel too," he said lightly.

Emily seethed.

The car stopped in front of a high-end boutique. Though it was only 7 p.m., the store had already been cleared out. The manager’s overwhelming enthusiasm as he praised Emily from head to toe made her toes curl in embarrassment. Only William’s presence kept her from bolting.

In the VIP room, ten couture gowns were displayed in a row. Emily pointed at two—a soft pink and a pale lavender.

"Try them all?" William suggested.

"Two are enough."

"What if one gets dirty? These can’t be washed."

Emily was stunned. The world of the wealthy was beyond her—a dress worth millions, yet disposable.

"Four at most," she conceded, selecting two more understated options.

In the fitting room, Emily studied her reflection. Even the most conservative cut couldn’t hide her curves. By the fourth dress, William’s gaze had darkened considerably.

It struck him then—how many covetous eyes would be drawn to her at the Lu family banquet.

Ten jewelry sets were presented next. Emily shook her head, exasperated. "Wearing these would make me feel ridiculous."

"You’ll get used to it," he said, ruffling her hair.

"Am I not pretty enough without them?" she retorted.

William laughed, utterly disarmed.