Chapter 83

Emily had stayed too long in William's office that morning. When a new project suddenly landed on her desk, she had no choice but to work overtime. She set her phone to silent and tossed it aside, completely missing the incoming WeChat notifications flashing across the screen.

The clock ticked past eight when she finally finished the last report. Just as she began packing up, a chorus of "Vice President Johnson" echoed through the office.

Five colleagues from the Business Department were still working late. At first, Emily paid no attention—until the second greeting reached her ears. She snapped her head up.

William was striding toward her with long, purposeful steps, his gaze sharp as a blade.

Her heart lurched.

She shot to her feet on instinct, grabbing her bag and bolting for the restroom. No one could find out about their relationship.

"Emily Smith!"

His deep, icy voice cracked like a whip behind her. She froze mid-step, then slowly turned under the stunned stares of her coworkers.

"Did you need something, Vice President Johnson?" Her voice was barely a whisper as she kept her eyes downcast.

William narrowed his eyes, the corner of his mouth curling into a dangerous smirk. "What do you think?"

"Was it my cousin who sent you?" She forced out the lie, nails digging into her palms.

His expression darkened instantly. He glanced at his watch. "One minute."

Emily seized the lifeline, darting back to her desk. Shutting down her computer, gathering her things, and slinging her bag over her shoulder—she did it all in one frantic motion, never daring to meet her colleagues' eyes.

"Done," she murmured.

William's gaze was stormy as he turned on his heel and walked away. She trailed after him, her back damp with cold sweat.

The elevator doors had barely closed before he slammed her against the metal wall. His scorching lips crashed into hers with punishing force. A pained whimper escaped her, but she didn't resist.

Then came the sharp sting of teeth on her tongue.

"Are you ashamed to be with me?" William panted against her forehead, his thumb swiping at the blood on her lip.

Emily turned her face away, the metallic taste filling her mouth. "You're the one who's ashamed."

Outside the Business Department's glass doors, five pairs of eyes were glued to the elevator. The buzz of hushed voices erupted like a stirred hornet's nest, piercing through the quiet of the night.