Chapter 81

Emily trembled and instinctively took half a step back.

William remained composed. He lowered his head to brush his lips lightly against hers before releasing her and turning to push the door open.

"William—"

"I'm here."

Olivia was about to call out again when his deep voice, laced with a hint of coolness, came from the direction of the lounge.

"Oh, you were in there!" Olivia's eyes brightened as she trotted over to loop her arm through his.

William withdrew his hand without expression and walked straight to his desk. He flipped open a file without looking up. "What is it?"

Pouting, Olivia circled to stand in front of him, resting her hands on the edge of the desk. "Can't I miss you? It's been a whole week."

His gaze remained fixed on the document. He didn't respond.

"William~" She leaned down to grasp his hand. "Just have lunch with me."

William reclined in his chair, pulling his hand away again. His eyes flicked to her briefly. "Did I say no?"

"Of course not!" Olivia beamed instantly, changing the subject. "By the way, I met your classmate's cousin last Saturday."

Inside the lounge, Emily's breath hitched.

"Which one?" William's brow twitched slightly.

"That girl named Emily. She was wild at the bar." Olivia blinked. "I wanted to buy her a drink, but George took her away. Said she was your latest fling."

William's expression didn't shift. "And?"

"She works at BestTech." Olivia tilted her head. "Why would you introduce her to George? That plain little thing isn't even in his league."

"Just for fun." William chuckled. "Since when do you care?"

Just for fun.

The words stabbed into Emily's heart like knives. She'd foolishly allowed herself to believe William saw her as something special.

But reality always delivered its slap at the perfect moment.

Someone like her—even George was only after novelty. What hope did she have with William?

"So does that mean you also..." Olivia's eyes gleamed.

"Guess." William stood and picked up his suit jacket. "Weren't we going to lunch? Let's go."

He strode out without waiting. Olivia hurried after him, giggling. "Wait for me!"