Chapter 38

The piercing wail of police sirens split the night air as two patrol cars screeched to a halt, their flashing red and blue lights glaring against the darkness.

Officers emerged swiftly from the vehicles. The lead officer immediately snapped to attention upon seeing William Johnson. "Vice President Johnson, are you unharmed?"

William kept one arm firmly around Emily Smith's waist while gesturing toward David Brown's group with his chin. "I'm fine. They're the troublemakers here."

He turned to Sam Wilson with a curt order. "Take Michael Thompson to the hospital for a full examination."

"Understood." Sam immediately steadied the swaying Michael.

The officers moved with practiced efficiency, restraining David and his companions. Emily struggled to check Michael's injuries but found herself trapped in William's unyielding embrace.

"Michael, how bad is it?" she called out anxiously instead.

Michael blinked drunkenly, his bleary gaze shifting between Emily and William. He shook his head as if to clear it. "Emily... you and Mr. Johnson—"

William cut him off with an icy glare before dragging Emily toward his car. He wrenched the passenger door open and shoved her inside.

The door slammed shut with a deafening crash.

Emily pressed against the window, locking eyes with Michael. Before she could speak, the car shot forward like an arrow released from its bow.

The sudden acceleration threw her forward. William's arm shot out just in time to prevent her head from hitting the dashboard.

"Seatbelt," he commanded coldly.

Emily silently complied, staring down at her lap.

The air inside the car turned glacial. William glanced at her through the rearview mirror before abruptly braking and pulling over.

"What exactly did I warn you about?" His fingers tapped impatiently against the steering wheel as he turned to pin her with his gaze.

Emily looked up blankly. "What?"

William let out a humorless laugh, tongue pressing against his cheek. "I told you to stay away from Michael. Did my words mean nothing to you?"

She bit her lip before suddenly changing the subject. "Can you do me a favor?"

William's eyes narrowed. "Speak."

"David's completely unhinged," she said, voice trembling. "Can you... make sure he stays behind bars longer?"

One eyebrow arched. "Now you're scared? What possessed you to date that trash in the first place?"

Emily clenched her fists in her lap, silent.

"Why should I help you?" He leaned in suddenly, his breath hot against her ear.

"Name your price." She closed her eyes.

A low chuckle escaped him as he restarted the engine. Over the roar of the motor, he tossed out one final remark. "Remember those words."

The black sports car vanished down the street like a phantom swallowed by the night.