Chapter 59

"Well, if it isn't Manager Miller and Emily Smith?" Michael Thompson spotted the two sitting by the window as he checked out with his friends, his lips curling into a knowing smirk.

Emily turned at the sound of his voice and offered a polite smile. "Boss."

Robert Miller's smile faltered for a split second before he stood up enthusiastically. "Manager Thompson, you're dining here too? We should've joined you."

"Exactly." Michael strode over, snatching the bill from Emily's table. "Tsk, over ten grand? Manager Miller, you sure know how to spend."

He suddenly slapped the bill against Robert's chest. "Last time you said you'd treat me. No time like the present—why don't you cover my table too?"

With that, he wrapped an arm around Emily's shoulders and walked out without looking back.

"Wait!" Robert's face darkened. "When did I agree to that?"

Michael paused, raising an eyebrow at Emily. "Emily, was this meal your treat?"

She shook her head, her voice clear. "Manager Miller invited me."

"See?" Michael scoffed, leading Emily away without another glance.

Behind them, the cashier's sweet voice chimed, "Sir, your total comes to 23,868 dollars."

......

Inside the black sedan, Michael's grip on the steering wheel tightened.

"Boss..." Emily bit her lip. "I had my reasons."

He glanced at her. "What reasons?"

She lowered her lashes, silent.

As the car merged onto the main road, Michael suddenly asked, "Did Vice President Johnson give you money?"

Emily nodded faintly.

"Heh." He let out a cold laugh. "You think he'd be happy knowing you used his money to treat another man?"

Her fingers clenched around the hem of her shirt. "I understand."

"Emily." His tone turned grave. "If you've chosen this path, don't be foolish. Cross Vice President Johnson, and you won't last a day in Jinzhou."

She stared at the scenery flashing past the window and murmured a firm, "Mm."

......

Near the end of her shift, Emily opened WeChat.

[Are you coming home for dinner tonight?] she texted William Johnson.

A question mark popped up instantly in reply.

[I want to cook for you.] she added.

Another question mark appeared.

[It's to thank you for Professor Johnson.] she explained honestly.

This time, the reply came quickly: [Okay.]

Emily stared at her screen, her lips curving upward without her realizing it.

"Seeing someone?" Lily White teased, leaning in.

Emily hurriedly locked her phone. "Not at all."

She began planning the evening's menu. It had been a long time since she'd cooked properly—not since her grandmother passed away. She wondered how much of her once-sharp knife skills and timing she still retained.