Chapter 299

Emily Smith hung up the phone, her fingertips trembling slightly.

Sophia Song's voice lingered in her ears. That once-arrogant woman was now humbly begging her to attend the wedding. It was too strange.

"What's on your mind?"

William Johnson approached, carrying the fresh scent of his shower. He lifted her from the couch, his warm hand resting against her waist, dispelling some of the chill.

Emily looked up at him and recounted Sophia's unusual behavior in detail.

"Afraid she's up to something?" William chuckled, pressing a light kiss to her lips.

"She has no reason to beg me," Emily frowned. "Unless—"

"Then let's go see," William cut off her train of thought. "I'll be with you."

...

The next morning, they finished packing and prepared to leave for the airport.

As the elevator doors opened, William's phone rang.

Emily caught a glimpse of the unsaved number, her heart skipping a beat. It was Amanda Lin's mother calling.

William's brow furrowed almost imperceptibly as he let the ringtone echo through the empty garage.

When the phone rang a second time, Emily took her coat from him. "Answer it."

She slipped into the car, watching through the window as William stood in the cold wind, his back to her as he took the call.

The conversation ended quickly. William opened the car door and grasped her hand. "I need to handle something."

"Go," she replied without hesitation, not even asking how long he'd be gone.

William cupped her face and pressed a kiss to her forehead. "I'll be back soon."

She watched his car pull out of the garage, her fingers tightening around the hem of her coat.

In the VIP lounge, the boarding announcement played for the third time.

Emily stared at her phone screen. William's number remained unanswered. The last message still read, "Wait for me," sent two hours ago.

"Miss Smith, it's time to board," Aji reminded her.

As the plane's doors were about to close, Emily cast one last glance toward the entrance.

The empty jet bridge reflected under the stark white lights, mirroring the hollowness in her chest.

The sound of the cabin door sealing shut was especially sharp. Emily reclined her seat and closed her eyes.

Her lashes cast faint shadows beneath her eyes, trembling slightly with the roar of the engines.