Chapter 298

The staff exchanged glances, disbelief evident in their eyes.

Could any woman truly resist the allure of jewelry? Especially when gifted by the man she loved.

Miss Smith was... different.

"Emily," William Johnson murmured, holding her slender fingers, his voice low. "Jewels aren't just adornments. They're symbols of status. The Queen's scepter, Elizabeth Taylor's diamonds—all priceless treasures."

Emily placed the necklace back into its velvet box, shaking her head as her hair swayed gently. "Too flashy. I'm not used to it."

William's Adam's apple bobbed.

It struck him then—the woman he loved was even more stubborn than he was.

......

In the end, Emily only chose four gowns and refused to touch any jewelry. But William secretly purchased all ten gowns along with their matching sets.

These were surprises he'd carefully selected.

Now he saw it clearly—his Emily was truly one of a kind.

After dinner, they visited the hospital. The girl's complexion looked better than before. As Emily massaged her, a single tear slipped from the child's eye.

"She can hear! She really can!" Emily threw herself into William's arms, her voice trembling.

William caught her, infected by her rare burst of joy. On the way back, she chattered excitedly about plans for the girl's future, her eyes sparkling like stars.

Only William knew—the ominous temple fortune weighed on his heart like a stone.

Years ago, after his aunt's accident, he'd drawn the same ill-fated slip.

A week later, she was gone.

......

The next day, William took her somewhere special.

When the car stopped in front of the familiar old neighborhood, Emily's fingers tightened around her seatbelt.

"Let's go up," William said, leading her upstairs.

This was the apartment where she'd grown up. Forced to sell it eight years ago when prices were low, the value had since skyrocketed.

Sunlight danced through dust motes in the empty rooms. Emily could almost see her grandmother bustling in the kitchen, her sister playing in the living room.

When the keys dropped into her palm, her tears fell onto William's hand.

"We'll renovate it for your father's return," he whispered, kissing away her tears.

Emily buried her face in his chest, her voice muffled. "Thank you."

William ruffled her hair. "Silly girl."

......

With the apartment secured, Emily added a new task to her daily routine—designing their future home. The team William recommended was professional, saving her much effort.

He transferred fifty million into her account with just three words: "Spend it freely."

Emily stared at the message for a long time but didn't return the money.

If they were committed to this relationship, why draw lines? Yet she still budgeted carefully—some habits were ingrained.

Friday was Daniel Chen's wedding. On Thursday night, a tearful call came from Sophia Song. "Emily, you must come tomorrow."

After hanging up, Emily stood by the window, moonlight stretching her shadow long across the floor.