Chapter 51

The neon lights of the city flickered to life as dusk settled.

Emily Smith stood in front of the corporate building, watching the endless stream of cars, a faint smile playing on her lips. These solitary moments somehow brought her peace.

Not far away, a sleek black luxury car pulled away silently. Inside, William Johnson leaned back against the leather seat, eyes closed, his brow furrowed.

"William..." The girl beside him tugged at his sleeve, her voice sickly sweet. "Please say yes to BestTech."

He yanked his arm away, his tone icy. "Go ask Alexander."

She pouted. "Alexander is always so stern. You're much more fun."

William didn't respond, feigning sleep. Only he knew the fire burning in his chest, threatening to consume his rationality.

Meanwhile, Emily slid into Robert Miller's car.

"Dinner was lovely tonight." Robert's hand crept toward her knee.

Emily shifted away smoothly. "Thank you for the ride, Mr. Miller."

As she stepped out, she nearly collided with Michael Thompson.

"You two had dinner together?" Michael's gaze darted between them.

Emily nodded, catching the flicker of concern in his eyes.

Inside the elevator, Michael lowered his voice. "Robert... you should keep your distance."

"I know," Emily murmured, though her mind was already made up.

The afternoon meeting dragged on until sunset. By the time the clients left, the office was deserted. Rubbing her stiff neck, Emily turned back to the mountain of unread emails.

Her phone lit up—a message from Robert. With a quick tap, she sent a polite refusal.

At 7:30 PM, the building was nearly empty. Emily hurried toward the subway station when sudden headlights blinded her.

A familiar black Rolls-Royce glided to a stop beside her.

She glanced around, ensuring no one was watching, then slipped inside.

"Afraid to be seen?" William's voice was glacial. "Yet you had no problem getting into Robert's car."

Emily shrank into the corner, silent.

"Is your salary enough?" His tone shifted abruptly. "Should I give you a raise?"

She muttered, "There's still the bonus..."

He scoffed. "Dreaming of bonuses before passing probation?"

Emily bit her lip. Staring at his stormy profile, she suddenly mustered her courage—and straddled his lap.

The air in the car froze.