Emily had left the apartment complex with strict security protocols preventing taxis from entering. After walking a bit, she saw a few private cars parked along the road and casually got into one. The driver, a middle-aged man, noticed her coming from the upscale Snowy Motel and heading to Q University. His gaze on Emily carried a hint of unsavory intent. Throughout the ride, Emily was absorbed in thoughts about subtly bringing up the No. 9 Pier project to Elton. She was so preoccupied that she didn’t pay attention to her surroundings. It was only when she noticed the increasing darkness outside her peripheral vision that she looked up. The view was pitch black, with overgrown weeds. Though Q University was in the suburbs, and parts of the route from the city were poorly lit, it wasn't normal for the view outside to be completely obscured. Suspecting the driver was up to something, possibly taking a back route, she asked in a calm tone, “Drive

Emily stood before the photo for a long time, silent and introspective. Her eyelids slightly drooped, her eyes filled with a dense emotion as if her soul had merged into the picture, seeking answers from the lovers depicted...."You lost!"At the glass railing on the second floor of the exhibition hall, Stacey extended her hand towards Murray, "A bet's a bet."Murray chuckled softly, lightly tapping her open palm in acknowledgment.They had made a bet earlier, with Murray asserting that no one here would genuinely appreciate the art itself, but rather, they were more interested in the Zechariah family's event.Stacey Zechariah disagreed. She believed that someone would indeed connect with her work sincerely.And then Emily walked in. At first glance, she seemed like a young, beautiful college student, but her eyes held depths like an unfathomable, dark pool.Stacey was convinced that Emily could understand the stories her phot

Elton moved his files and computer to the glass coffee table in front of the sofa, sitting beside Emily to discuss the Pier Nine project plan. Emily listened intently, but as she absorbed the information, she understood why Murray had labeled the plan a "castle in the air." The entire proposal was speculative, lacking in operational details and feasibility, just as Murray had pointed out. For instance, the project was divided into maritime and land components, essentially two different systems. Murray explained that for the maritime part, the focus should be on specialized and integrated companies. In contrast, based on his assumptions, Elton's plan involved separate tenders for design, construction, and operations. This approach, disjointed and inefficient, would not only reduce coordination efficiency but also significantly inflate the project's cost. Emily tried to help by raising some of the major issues Murray had m

Ronald Richardson sauntered over to Emily with a careless swagger, crouching down to try and pinch her chin. Emily dodged his hand with a tilt of her head, scoffing coldly, "So, you resort to other because you know you can't beat me yourself?"Ronald seemed slightly sheepish at this; he had indeed called for bodyguards after experiencing Emily's prowess. However, he wouldn't admit it, retorting, "Whatever happened that day, you know very well."Emily sneered, "From what I've seen, the toughest part of you is probably just your mouth."Ronald shamelessly leaned in closer, his voice low and suggestive, "You haven't experienced where I'm the toughest, so don't make assumptions."Unable to tolerate such verbal harassment, Emily's expression darkened. She powered up her right leg to kick him in the face, but midway, her leg suddenly went weak, and she found herself uncontrollably kneeling.A hand, firm as a vice, pressed heavily on her shoulder, immobil

After a cool shower, Emily felt somewhat groggy and lethargic. She curled up in her blankets, shifting positions restlessly without finding comfort.Her phone buzzed. A message from Elton Cromwell: "Emily, I'm downstairs. Can you come down now?"Emily forced a smile. How did he always know she was in her apartment?"Okay, wait for me."She climbed out of bed, carelessly picked out some clothes to wear, and, just before leaving, glanced in the mirror. She dabbed a layer of lipstick on her lips, enhancing her naturally pale, almost icy skin and faint lip color, which, without lipstick, always made her look weary and listless.