Chapter 84

"Say that again." William tightened his grip, his long fingers pinching her chin as he forced her to meet his gaze.

Emily stared back defiantly. "I said, if people knew we slept together, it's you who should be ashamed, not me."

His brow arched slightly, a dangerous glint flashing in his eyes. "So you've been avoiding me in public because you're afraid people might find out?"

"Isn't that how it should be?" she countered.

William abruptly released her and took a step back, his lips curling into a cold smile. "How considerate. You're absolutely right."

The air in the elevator turned icy.

Emily opened her mouth but ultimately lowered her head in silence. She knew better than anyone—aside from that fifty thousand, she shouldn't hope for anything more.

"I'm sorry," she murmured.

His expression darkened instantly. "What did you say?"

The elevator dinged as it reached the basement level. Without waiting for her reply, he strode out.

Emily hurried after him. Once inside the car, her phone buzzed twice—a reply from Mia saying she was feeling better. Relief washed over her; she had planned to visit Mia today.

Out of the corner of her eye, she noticed William leaning back with his eyes closed, his jawline tense with displeasure. She opened WeChat and saw his four unread messages:

[Wait for me after work.]

[Come down at 7:10.]

[Where are you?]

[Get down here now.]

The last one was clearly laced with anger.

Emily bit her lip. Suddenly, she set her phone aside, lowered the partition, and climbed onto his lap.