My Great Escape Led Me to You (Emily Blair) novel Chapter 1010

Seeing Tate so frail in his hospital bed, it looked as though he couldn't withstand the slightest blow. The plan she had so carefully formulated began to feel shaky. “I know you might be hesitating to report Isabella because of my father,” Melisa said, “but he is a man of integrity. He wouldn’t allow anyone to escape the consequences of the law, not even his own daughter. I believe that even if he knows the truth, he’ll agree with your decision to turn Isabella in. But he won’t abandon her. He’ll be there to help her change for the better.” Emily looked at her in silence. Melisa smiled. “If my father tried to hide a suspect’s crimes or help them evade justice, he wouldn’t be the man I know.” A weight lifted from Emily’s shoulders, and she managed a small smile. “Alright, I understand. Thank you for clarifying that.” “It’s getting late,” Melisa said as she walked her to the door. “You should head home.” Emily said her goodbyes and drove back to her residence. Emma was still awake. Emily called her into the living room. Emma had been on edge for the past few days, walking on eggshells around Emily, terrified of upsetting her. She emerged timidly from her room now, studying Emily’s expression as she asked softly, “What is it?” Emily placed an invitation on the table in front of her. “There’s a charity gala tomorrow night. Isabella Austin’s parents will be there. You’ll come with me.” Emma’s eyes brightened as she picked up the invitation. “Really? Tomorrow night?” Emily nodded. “I had no idea you were still thinking about this,” Emma said, clutching the invitation with a smile. “That’s wonderful! I’ll go. I’ll find some time to talk to them.” “However, I have some conditions,” Emily stated. Emma’s expression turned serious. “Name them. As long as you let me go, I’ll agree to anything.” “You are to stay by my side at all times,” Emily said firmly. “You are not to sneak off to find Isabella’s parents on your own. If you want to approach them, I must be with you. We go when I say we go. You will not act on your own.” Emma looked taken aback. “You’re going with me?” “Of course,” Emily replied. “Or would you rather go alone, get insulted by Isabella’s parents, and come back in tears without even defending yourself?” Emma looked chagrined. “They’re civilized people. They were harsh before because they didn’t trust me. If they—” “Enough,” Emily interrupted. “This isn’t up for discussion. Those are the terms. If you don’t agree, you’re not going.” Truthfully, Emily didn't want Emma to go. She had her pride, and considering her past life and the few interactions she'd had with the Austins in this one, she had no desire to acknowledge her biological parents. It would be best if they never met again. But Emma was so insistent that Emily felt she had to let her try. In any case, she could already guess the outcome. She had no intention of reuniting with the Austins. And the Austins would have no intention of acknowledging her.