Chapter 4

The elevator doors slid open with a soft chime.

The female manager was about to step inside when she froze mid-stride. Her face instantly lit up with an ingratiating smile. "Vice President Johnson. Miss Davis."

William Johnson remained impassive. His gaze swept past Emily Smith standing behind the manager before settling on the woman's face with a slight nod.

"Vice President Johnson, this is Emily Smith—the student you specifically asked us to look after." The manager's smile deepened her wrinkles as she shot Emily a meaningful glance. "Aren't you going to greet them?"

Emily stood rooted to the spot, staring blankly at William inside the elevator.

"William, who's she?" Olivia Davis clung to William's arm like a limpet, scrutinizing Emily with disdain. "She looks dazed. Is she even legal?"

William chuckled lowly, ruffling Olivia's hair. "A friend's younger sister. Asked me to keep an eye on her."

"BestTech isn't a charity," Olivia pouted. "Since when did you become so accommodating?"

"What?" William leaned close to her ear. "Afraid I might be interested in her?"

"Don't be ridiculous!" Olivia thrust out her chest. "You'd never go for someone so... scrawny."

Emily finally snapped out of her daze, forcing a bitter smile.

Olivia Davis—the heiress of the Davis family. Everyone in Jinzhou knew her name. Yet the woman in William's car yesterday had definitely not been her.

"She's academically gifted," William remarked suddenly. "Top of her class every year."

"Just a bookworm," Olivia scoffed.

"Emily Smith!" The manager yanked her arm sharply.

Emily lifted her head with a practiced smile. "Good afternoon, Vice President Johnson. Miss Davis."

"Get in," William said coolly.

As the doors closed, Olivia remained plastered to William, chattering and laughing. Emily stood silently in the corner like a ghost.

The elevator reached the 67th floor.

William and Olivia strode straight to his office while Emily waited outside. Half an hour later, Olivia emerged with her nose in the air.

"Remember this," she hissed in Emily's ear, her voice venomous. "If you dare lay a finger on my man, I'll make your life a living hell."

Emily kept her head bowed without responding.

"Miss Smith," a secretary approached. "Vice President Johnson will see you now."

Inside the office, William was reviewing documents. A bright red lipstick stain now marked his collar.

"Vice President Johnson." Emily stood before his desk.

"Sit." He didn't look up.

Emily remained standing.

William finally raised his eyes, pinning her with an intense stare. "Legs not hurting anymore?"

Emily clenched and unclenched her fists before meeting his gaze directly. "What do I get if I stay with you?"

"What do you want?" He arched an eyebrow.

"Money."

"Ten thousand per night?"

"One thousand is enough."

William smirked. "You'll need to work hard then—to cover your sister's medical bills."