Chapter 39

Emily's fingertips still trembled slightly as the car entered the underground garage of Jinzhou Bay No.1.

In the elevator, William stood beside her with one hand in his pocket, his tie already loosened. His gaze drifted to her flushed earlobe, a faint smirk playing on his lips.

The moment they entered the apartment, he pinned her against the foyer wall. His palm pressed beside her head as his warm breath brushed her neck.

"Missed me?" His deep voice held a teasing note.

Emily tilted her face up and kissed his Adam's apple. Her fingers deftly unbuttoned his shirt, accidentally grazing his toned abs.

William suddenly gripped the nape of her neck, pulling her back slightly. He narrowed his eyes. "You've been drinking?"

"Just a little." She rose on tiptoes, mimicking him by lightly biting his chin.

With a low chuckle, he suddenly swept her off her feet. Emily gasped, instinctively wrapping her legs around his waist.

At the bar, William opened a bottle of red wine with one hand. He took a swig before tilting her chin, slowly transferring the wine into her mouth.

The dark liquid trickled down her pale neck, disappearing beneath her collar. His lips followed, lingering at her collarbone.

"Wait..." She panted, pushing weakly against him. "I haven't showered yet..."

He captured her hand and pressed it against his chest. "Perfect timing. We'll do it together."

...

The next morning, Emily was jolted awake by a shrill phone ring.

Still half-asleep, she heard William answer.

"William, we agreed you'd accompany me for my wedding dress fitting today."

The woman's voice came through the receiver crystal clear. Emily instantly woke up but kept her eyes closed, pretending to sleep.

"Be there in thirty." William hung up decisively and got dressed.

The moment the door closed, Emily opened her eyes. She stared blankly at the ceiling before reaching for her phone to call Michael.

"Boss, how are you?"

Michael's cheerful laughter came through. "Just a minor injury. Are you okay?"

Emily clenched the bedsheet. "I'm coming to see you."

After hanging up, she quickly freshened up and changed. At the door, she bumped into Song Yan pushing a breakfast cart.

"Breakfast specially ordered by Mr. Johnson." Song Yan smiled meaningfully.

Emily glanced at the exquisite spread and suddenly changed her mind, sitting down to eat. She took her time, ignoring Song Yan's probing stare.

"You and Mr. Johnson... aren't just acquaintances, are you?" Song Yan finally blurted.

Emily looked up with a faint smile. "He pays, I sleep with him. Fair trade."

Song Yan stiffened, clearly unprepared for such bluntness.

"Women should have some self-respect," Song Yan muttered.

The elevator dinged perfectly timed. Emily dabbed her lips elegantly and stood, tossing over her shoulder, "Thanks for your concern."

Her back remained ramrod straight until the elevator doors fully closed, only then allowing a trace of exhaustion to show.