Chapter 49

William Johnson stood outside the door, his fingers hovering midair.

He heard Emily Smith's soft voice drifting from inside the room, as if she was reciting something. The tone fluctuated between lighthearted and somber, like a moving melody.

He pushed the door open gently.

Emily sat with her back to the entrance, headphones on, recording intently while facing her computer screen. Sunlight streamed through the window, casting a soft glow around her.

William leaned against the doorframe, listening quietly.

Her voice flowed like a clear spring, narrating the novel's plot with perfect pacing. Every pause, every transition was executed flawlessly.

Suddenly he understood why she'd been shutting herself in her room lately.

A smile tugged at his lips as he retreated silently without disturbing her.

Only when the apartment door clicked shut did Emily whirl around.

The bedroom door stood slightly ajar.

She removed her headphones and walked to the living room. William's slippers sat neatly arranged by the entrance.

Her fingertips lightly traced the shoe's surface.

The next afternoon, Emily waited outside a Japanese restaurant for Robert Miller.

"Emily!" Robert waved from a distance, jogging toward her. "Sorry to keep you waiting."

She smiled. "I just arrived."

Inside the private room, Robert's gaze never left her.

"This place isn't cheap," he leaned closer. "You shouldn't have."

Emily subtly shifted back. "You've been so helpful at work. It's the least I could do."

When the server left after serving their food, Robert suddenly grabbed her hand. "Actually, I've always thought you were very—"

Emily withdrew her hand swiftly. "Mr. Miller, I'm quite curious about the Finance Department. Could you tell me more about it?"

Meanwhile, in the hallway.

William paused mid-step.

Familiar voices filtered through the paper door.

"...Our Finance Department handled a major project last year..." Robert's boastful tone carried clearly. "The cash flow exceeded a hundred million..."

William's eyes narrowed.

"Really?" Emily's voice brimmed with admiration. "You know so much, Mr. Miller."

A vibrating phone interrupted William's thoughts. Glancing at the caller ID, he strode toward the innermost private room.

Behind the sliding door, Emily discreetly pressed the record button on her phone.