Chapter 32

The flight to W City was scheduled for 8:35 AM.

At the first light of dawn, Emily Smith quietly got up and packed. Her backpack held only a change of clothes, toiletries, and her laptop—traveling light.

The subway station at 6:30 AM was empty. She arrived just in time for the first train. The forty-minute ride from Jinzhou Bay to the airport passed as she gazed absently at the brightening sky outside the window.

Michael Thompson had been waiting at the airport entrance for some time. Spotting her minimal luggage, he teased, "Little girl, is this a business trip or a spring outing?"

Emily smiled faintly and pulled out a tube of lipstick from her small bag, waving it playfully. "Here, my entire fortune."

After printing their boarding passes at the self-service kiosk, they headed straight for security. Michael shook his head at the sparse contents of her bag. "My cousin packs a whole suitcase just for makeup. And here you are."

"Efficiency," Emily said, placing her backpack in the security bin before flashing him a quick wink.

At the gate, Michael bought coffee and pastries. When she hesitated, he feigned sternness. "If you don’t eat it, I’m throwing it in the trash." Only then did Emily accept, nibbling at the bread in small bites.

The two-and-a-half-hour flight passed in a blink. A private car from their business partner took them directly to a five-star hotel. As she pushed open the door to her room, Emily was momentarily transported back seven years to a family vacation—back when her father was still alive.

After a brief rest, they headed straight to the partner company’s office. Throughout the meeting, Emily took meticulous notes, her eyes occasionally lighting up with focus. Michael noticed and nodded approvingly to himself.

By evening, the meeting concluded. Michael politely declined the partner’s dinner invitation. "Come on," he said, patting Emily’s shoulder. "Let me take you for authentic W City cuisine. Consider it a celebration of your first business trip."

The dishes at the century-old restaurant made Emily’s mouth water. During their post-dinner stroll, she caught an unexpected glimpse through the window of a Hermès flagship store—William Johnson lounging lazily with a magazine, opposite him a sunglasses-clad Mia Harris.

"Isn’t that—" Michael began, but Emily had already frozen in place. Instinct screamed at her to flee, but an enthusiastic Michael pulled her into the store before she could react.

"Close the store," Mia’s displeased voice rang out.

Michael stepped forward with practiced ease to exchange pleasantries. Emily lingered near the entrance, her blood turning to ice. When William’s gaze lifted and met hers, her breath hitched.

"Subordinate," William introduced curtly, his eyes lingering on Emily for a beat too long.

Mia studied Emily with amused interest. "Help me pick a bag," she commanded, gesturing to over twenty displayed handbags. "Tell me which ones are ugly."

Emily randomly pointed at three. Without hesitation, Mia waved a hand. "Except these three, I’ll take them all." She turned to William with a coy smile. "You’re paying, darling."

The moment the black-gold card was handed over, Emily averted her eyes. Suddenly, Mia grabbed a Constance bag and shoved it toward her. "Here, take it."

"No, thank you," Emily said, taking a half-step back.

Mia laughed. "William, your subordinate is quite the character." Her gaze slid meaningfully toward him. "Even Hermès isn’t good enough for her."

William merely smiled without comment. Sensing the tension, Michael quickly made their excuses. Emily didn’t look back as she bolted from the store, the night air cooling her flushed cheeks.

By the time Michael caught up, she was already hailing a taxi. The moment the door closed behind her, she finally exhaled—long and slow.