Chapter 30

After her sister's condition stabilized, Emily Smith returned to Jinzhou Bay No.1 with William Johnson.

The sound of running water in the bathroom stopped. William stepped out, drying his hair, and found Emily sitting quietly at the dining table, waiting for him.

Her lashes were lowered, lost in thought. She only snapped back to reality when he approached.

"Eat," William said, pulling out a chair and sitting down.

Emily looked up at him, sincerity in her eyes. "Thank you."

William picked up his chopsticks and smirked. "Just words?"

After a brief hesitation, she stood and walked over to him. She wrapped her arms around his neck and straddled his lap.

But William turned his face away.

He gripped the nape of her neck, his voice rough. "Not sore anymore?"

Emily bit her lip, her cheeks flushing. "I can..."

William scoffed and pinched the back of her neck. "Rest today."

His apparent lack of interest made her uneasy.

Ignoring his words, she leaned in, mimicking his actions—lightly tracing his lips, his chin, then lingering at his throat.

When she tried to go lower, she felt his body react.

In the next second, William abruptly lifted her onto the dining table, caging her between his arms. "You sure?"

His voice was barely recognizable.

Emily's ears burned as she gave a soft "Mm," pressing her lips to his.

This time, William didn't hold back. He cupped the back of her head and deepened the kiss.

......

In the heat of the moment, breakfast was knocked to the floor. William carried her straight to the couch.

Afterward, he called the internal line and asked Song Yan to bring up a fresh meal.

Song Yan's heart skipped a beat at the hoarseness in his voice.

When she arrived with the food cart, freshly touched up, William answered the door. Emily was still soaking in the bath.

The apartment was thick with tension. As Song Yan cleared the dishes, she stole glances at William, who was reviewing documents on the couch.

Summoning courage, she approached. "Mr. Johnson..."

William didn't look up. "What?"

She brushed her knee against his leg. "I'd like to stay with you a little longer..."

Just then, Emily emerged from the bedroom and saw everything.

William gave Song Yan's leg a cold glance, then crooked a finger.

Song Yan eagerly leaned in, but her face paled at his whispered words. She fled in a panic.

"Come eat," William said, rising and heading to the dining area.

Emily hesitated, then simply said, "I need to go out today. I might be back late."

It was visiting day. She was going to see her father.

"Mm," William nodded. "Take the car."

Emily blinked in surprise. "How did you know where I'm going?"

"Two subway transfers, four hours one way, one hour for the visit." He checked his watch. "Be back by six."

Her eyes widened. "How—"

"Face the consequences if you're late," he cut her off.

As she was leaving, William stopped her and pointed to a new phone on the coffee table. "Take it."

"For me?" She couldn't believe it.

"Don't like it?"

Emily dashed over, kissed him, and grabbed the phone. "I'll be back by six!"

Watching her skip away, William's lips curved unconsciously.

The elevator doors opened, and Emily nearly collided with Olivia Davis.

"What are you doing here?" Olivia demanded sharply.

Before Emily could react, the apartment door opened behind her.

William stepped out and glanced at her. "She delivered documents."

"Still here?"

"Leaving now! Goodbye, Vice President Johnson, Miss Davis!" Emily quickly slipped into the elevator.