Chapter 36
Olivia Davis's obsession with William Johnson had long been an open secret in their social circle. The Davis heiress never concealed her feelings. Every time she saw William, the fire in her eyes could scorch anyone who dared meet her gaze.
"I asked you to take care of Mengli, not to parade your affection with her all over the headlines." Alexander Johnson pushed open the office door, his expression dark with displeasure.
William's slender fingers tapped lightly on the desk, a playful smirk curling his lips. "Brother, if I hadn't made such a spectacle, how would your fiancée believe it was me—not you—who was involved with Miss Shi?"
"You—" Alexander choked on his words, veins bulging at his temples.
"So, brother, have you figured out how to handle this?" William rose leisurely, a cold glint flashing in his eyes.
Alexander shot him a furious glare before slamming the door behind him.
......
Emily Smith was in an exceptionally good mood. She clutched her phone, repeatedly checking the bank transfer notification, unable to suppress the smile tugging at her lips. In the office, her radiant grin was like a ray of sunshine, lifting the spirits of everyone around her.
On the subway, she wore headphones, carefully dissecting the tone of a novel character, occasionally murmuring lines under her breath. Passersby couldn’t help but glance at her, drawn in by her focused demeanor.
"Aunt Amy, this is for you." In the hospital room, Emily handed a carefully chosen gift to the caregiver. Warmth flooded her heart at the woman's delighted expression.
Sitting by her sister's bed, she massaged her limbs while softly sharing recent good news. The success of her voice-over work gave her hope—perhaps her sister's medical expenses would soon be covered.
On the subway ride home, an entertainment news alert caught her attention. The screen displayed a striking photo of William holding flowers at the hospital. She stared at it for a long moment before quietly closing the tab.
The apartment was eerily silent. Emily turned on her recording equipment, pouring all her energy into work. It wasn’t until the early hours that she finally rubbed her sore neck and crawled into bed.
During Friday’s morning meeting, Michael Thompson sent a group chat notification about a team dinner. Colleagues flooded the chat with birthday wishes, and only then did Emily realize it was their supervisor’s birthday.
At lunch, she made a special trip to the mall. After careful consideration, she settled on a sleek, minimalist lighter. Though pricey, she felt it was worth it to show her gratitude for Michael’s guidance.
"Boss, this is..." When delivering documents that afternoon, Emily placed the elegantly wrapped box on Michael’s desk.
He arched a brow, surprise flickering in his eyes.
"I just wanted to thank you for your guidance these past few months." Emily smiled, her dimples faintly visible. "Happy birthday."
Michael picked up the lighter, turning it over in his palm. The metallic finish gleamed coldly under the light. His gaze lingered on the bright-eyed girl before him, his Adam’s apple bobbing slightly.
"I love it," he said, his voice tight.
The evening dinner was lively. At the karaoke bar, laughter and clinking glasses filled the air. Though Michael drank plenty, his eyes remained sharp.
"Emily." He called out to her as the group dispersed. In the night breeze, a cigarette dangled between his fingers while his other hand toyed with the lighter.
She turned, moonlight casting a soft silver glow over her.
"Do you know what it means when a woman gives a man a lighter?" Michael’s voice was low, almost intimate in the quiet dark.