My Great Escape Led Me to You (Emily Blair) novel Chapter 116

She’d been kneeling for so long that her legs were nearly numb.

Emily Blair had to brace herself against the wall just to stand, legs trembling so badly she nearly collapsed several times before finally making it to her feet.

Andrew Lane and the two housekeepers simply watched her struggle, stone-faced, showing no intention of helping.

By the time she stood, a fine sheen of sweat covered her back.

Pressing her palm to the wall for support, Emily straightened her posture and looked squarely at Andrew Lane. “So, am I allowed to leave now?”

Andrew stared at her for a few seconds. He didn’t answer. Instead, he stepped aside, opened the door, and held out his hand toward the narrow crack.

A slender, pale hand reached out and took his. The door opened wider.

Isabella Austin, supported by Diana Harris, emerged from the room. Diana carefully passed her over to Andrew, fussing, “Take it slow, sweetheart. You’ve still got open wounds. Don’t bump them.”

Isabella managed a gentle smile. “I’m alright, Mrs. Lane. It’s just a few scrapes.”

Diana’s eyes were full of worry as she scolded, “You too! You should’ve stayed in the hospital for observation. Why insist on coming home?”

Isabella’s hand drifted to her abdomen as she laughed softly. “Honestly, Mrs. Lane, you’re worrying too much. I promise I’m fine.”

Andrew wrapped an arm gently around Isabella’s shoulders, careful and protective—as if she were the only person in the world who mattered.

Isabella leaned lightly into Andrew’s embrace, then glanced up at Emily.

“Andrew made you kneel here for your own good,” Isabella said, her tone gentle but resolute. “Ms. Blair, I’ve let things slide because you’re young. But this time, you really went too far. You needed to be taught a lesson.”

“But you’re still in high school. I won’t call the police. It’s for your own sake.”

Diana’s tone instantly turned cold. “Why bother explaining? Emily Blair is rotten to the core. No matter what you say, she’ll only resent you more. She’s beyond saving.”

Isabella bit her lip, disappointment clear on her face. “Take care of yourself from now on.”

She patted Andrew’s arm, her voice soft. “Let’s go.”

Everyone gathered around Isabella as she left, leaving Emily standing alone.

Emily lowered her eyes, staring at the floor, but suddenly spoke, her voice steady.

“This isn’t over. I won’t let this be swept under the rug. I’ll get to the bottom of it and clear my name.”

Out of the corner of her eye, she saw Andrew’s steps falter for half a second—but he didn’t turn back. In a moment, he was gone.

Emily hadn’t brought her phone or any cash with her that day.

The hospital was miles from her tiny apartment—she had no choice but to walk home, and it took her several hours.

Emily lifted her arm to cover her eyes and said nothing more.

Emma tiptoed over and saw that Emily had already fallen asleep, her breathing deep and even.

With a pang in her heart, Emma hurried back to her room, grabbed a blanket, and gently tucked it around Emily on the sofa.

The next morning, Emily hadn’t even opened her eyes before she realized something was wrong.

Her head was pounding and spinning; she felt feverish and weak, her eyelids too heavy to lift. Heat radiated through her entire body.

Propping herself up with a trembling arm, she looked around and realized she was still on the living room sofa, a heavy blanket covering her.

She opened her mouth, but her voice came out hoarse. “Mom… Mom…”

But Emma didn’t come from the bedroom—she came hurrying out of the kitchen, wiping her hands on her apron.

“What’s wrong? What happened?” Emma asked, rushing over.

Emily forced herself to stay alert. “I have a fever. Can you take me to the hospital?”

She must have caught it walking for hours last night in the cold, barely dressed for the weather.

Emma paled at her words and quickly helped her up. “Of course, sweetheart. Let’s get you there right now.”