Chapter 72

Morning sunlight filtered through the curtains as Emily Smith opened her eyes. The space beside her was already empty.

Not even a trace of warmth remained on the sheets.

She got up and washed her face with practiced indifference, unconcerned about William Johnson's whereabouts.

After breakfast, she headed to the hospital to visit her sister as usual.

Just as she stepped out of Sky City One, a breaking news segment played on the giant LED screen across the street.

Alexander Johnson, eldest son of the Shen family, stood shoulder-to-shoulder with Sophia Song, heiress of the Song family from Ninghuai. They announced their engagement, set for the eighteenth of next month.

Under the flashing cameras, he looked impeccable in his tailored suit while her gown fluttered elegantly—a picture-perfect aristocratic couple.

Emily paused to watch for a few seconds.

Such well-matched unions were commonplace among high society.

Alexander was William's older brother.

With the Shen-Song alliance now official, what did that mean for William?

Would he end up with Olivia Davis, the prized daughter of the Lu family? Or perhaps his rumored first love, Amanda Lin?

The memory of that coquettish female voice on last night's phone call made Emily's chest tighten inexplicably.

Had Amanda failed to marry Alexander and now set her sights on William instead?

It seemed her arrangement with William would soon come to an end.

The thought stole her breath.

She was actually reluctant.

Reluctant to let go of the man who transferred money to her, rescued her from tight spots, and even cooked for her.

But reason told her this transactional relationship was destined to conclude.

......

In the recording studio, Daniel Chen noticed her subdued mood.

"Emily, are you free for dinner tonight?" he ventured cautiously.

She'd been distancing herself from him lately, limiting contact to strictly professional matters.

"Sorry, Daniel. I already have plans."

Her refusal was crisp and final.

Disappointment flickered in his eyes, but he smiled gently. "Another time, then."

After hanging up, Emily checked the time and decided to go shopping for lingerie.

The moment she stepped outside, Mia Harris's video call came through.

"Miss me?" Her best friend's radiant smile filled the screen.

"To the point of lovesickness," Emily teased.

"Liar!" Mia pouted. "If you really missed me, you'd come see me right now."

Emily froze mid-step as realization struck. "You're back in the country?!"

Her delighted shriek echoed down the street.