Chapter 93

Emily Smith forced down the surge of emotions and curved her lips into a faint smile. "Didn’t we agree back then? Share the money when we have it, but run when trouble comes."

"Bullshit!" Mia Harris stomped her foot in frustration and shoved Emily’s shoulder. "That night at the bar when I was being harassed, why didn’t you run? Why did you jump in to fight with me?"

Emily staggered but steadied herself, her smile deepening. "Look at me now. I’m doing just fine, aren’t I?"

Mia’s eyes widened, her chest heaving. She wanted to turn and walk away, to never bother with this stubborn girl again.

But the sight of Emily’s thin shoulders made her heart ache unbearably.

When the Smith family fell apart—her father imprisoned, her mother fleeing with the money—Mia had silently vowed to protect her best friend. Who knew that while she was abroad, Emily would face an even greater ordeal?

"How much was the surgery for Lily?" Mia pulled out her phone, her fingers tapping aggressively on the screen. "Give me your account number. I’ll transfer the money right now."

Emily shook her head. "I really don’t need money right now."

Under Mia’s skeptical gaze, Emily laid out the truth about her relationship with William Johnson.

Mia was stunned.

Of course, she knew William—the second son of the Johnson family in Jinzhou, who had recently made headlines for his scandal with a celebrity. Her family even had distant ties to the Johnsons—her aunt was the cousin of the current Mrs. Johnson.

"You’re telling me… William paid for Professor Johnson to operate on Lily?" Mia’s voice cracked.

Then again, it wasn’t surprising that someone as beautiful as Emily had caught William’s eye. Especially since they were alumni.

"Yeah." Emily’s expression remained calm. "He paid for the treatment. I sleep with him."

"Emily, you—"

"Mia," Emily cut her off, "sleeping with William isn’t a bad deal. He’s handsome, fit, skilled, and treats me gently. In this arrangement, I haven’t suffered at all."

Mia frowned. "So you’re fuck buddies?"

Emily chuckled. "No. It’s more like boss and employee. Fuck buddies take what they need from each other. But here… I’m the only one benefiting."

"Then he could just dump you whenever he wants!" Mia protested.

"So what if he does?" Emily shrugged. "I got the money. My sister’s illness was treated. And I enjoyed myself. Isn’t that a hundred times better than ending up with a scumbag like David Brown?"

Mia fell silent.

When she thought about it, it made sense. William had looks, money, and treated Emily well. Even if they broke up someday, it would just be a fleeting romance. By any measure, Emily wasn’t losing out.

"You’re right." Mia finally relaxed.

Emily patted her stomach. "Weren’t you treating me to dinner? If we don’t go soon, the restaurant will be full."

"Let’s go!" Mia slung an arm around her shoulders. "Even if William dumps you, I’ll take care of you for life!"

Emily grinned, her eyes crinkling, and gave a firm nod. "Mm."