Chapter 96

Emily Smith stared blankly at her phone screen.

The WeChat contact named "I'm a White Rabbit" had just updated their status. Two photos accompanied by a simple English word—"Cheers."

It suddenly dawned on her. This must be George Taylor's account. Back at the hospital, she had hastily added him but forgotten to save his name.

With a tap of her finger, she changed the nickname to "George Taylor."

She continued scrolling through her feed, but nothing registered. The posts and pictures blurred before her eyes.

Images of the Sky City apartment flashed through her mind. Had William Johnson been staying there these past days? Did every apartment hide a woman like her?

Women who lived in the shadows.

Only society princesses like Olivia Davis or true loves like Amanda Lin could stand openly by William's side.

A tear splashed onto her phone screen.

Emily jolted awake, quickly wiping the tear away before turning off the light and lying down.

Meanwhile, at the gala.

William checked his watch—11 p.m. Rubbing his temples, he rose from his seat.

The alcohol and exhaustion made him lean back and close his eyes the moment he got into the car.

"Sir, back to Sky City?" Sam Wilson asked through the rearview mirror.

"Hmm," William murmured.

Halfway through the drive, he suddenly spoke. "Take me to the mansion."

The thought of Emily not sending a single message in over ten days evaporated his drowsiness. A fire burned in his chest.

Sam glimpsed his boss's stormy expression in the mirror and silently changed course.

That night, William tossed and turned.

At dawn, he headed straight to the gym. Only after working up a sweat did the fire in his chest slightly subside.

At the office, the elevator should have gone straight to the 67th floor. Instead, William pressed the button for the 50th.

Security footage showed Emily had left early. By now, she should be at her desk.

The doors opened. William strode toward the Business Department, with his assistant trailing behind.

Though it was still twenty minutes before work hours, many had already arrived. Michael Thompson was booting up his computer when a tall figure passed by in his periphery.

William stopped before Emily's workstation.

The empty seat darkened his expression. The temperature in the office seemed to plummet.

"Good morning, Vice President Johnson," Michael said, stepping forward. "Emily took the day off for her university graduation ceremony."

William shot him a cold glance before turning away, leaving a chill in his wake.