Chapter 80

Emily Smith stared at the documents in her hands, her fingertips trembling slightly. She looked up at William Johnson, forcing a bitter smile. "Is all this... true?"

"Should I arrange for your mother to confront you in person?" William stood by the floor-to-ceiling window, hands in his pockets, sunlight casting shadows across his sharp profile.

"No need." She shook her head, nails digging into her palms.

So this was the truth.

The year her father was imprisoned, her mother couldn't wait to remarry and have another child.

She had betrayed their family long before that.

For her new lover, she'd sent her own husband to prison.

For her new lover, she'd abandoned Emily and her sister without hesitation.

How ironic.

"Emily, actually—"

"William." She suddenly interrupted him, flashing a bright smile. "Could you find me some clothes? A blouse or dress would do."

The man frowned slightly, his Adam's apple bobbing. He reached out to ruffle her hair. "Wait here."

Turning away, he dialed an internal number and precisely recited Emily's measurements. Grace Lee on the other end understood immediately—a complete outfit would arrive within fifteen minutes.

After hanging up, William glanced toward the lounge. Just as he was about to step forward, the office phone rang again.

"Vice President Johnson, Miss Davis has arrived downstairs," the secretary reported urgently.

His eyes darkened as he hung up and strode toward the lounge. Pushing open the door, he found Emily curled up by the window, her slender frame looking as if it might dissolve into the sunlight at any moment.

The sound of the wardrobe opening startled her. Emily turned to see the man efficiently changing into a dress shirt and slacks.

"Olivia's here." He fastened his cufflinks as he approached her, suddenly leaning down to grip her chin. "Want to meet her?"

Emily's pupils constricted violently, her lips trembling too much to form coherent words. How could she face anyone like this? Nothing beneath the borrowed shirt, telltale marks still visible on her neck.

William chuckled lowly, his thumb brushing over her swollen lips.

"William!"

The lounge door burst open.