My Great Escape Led Me to You (Emily Blair) novel Chapter 230

Andrew Lane didn’t answer. Instead, he walked over and carefully adjusted the scarf that had slipped from her neck, wrapping it securely around her again. Then he reached down and straightened the blanket across Isabella Austin’s knees, making sure it was tucked in just right.

Once he was done, Andrew straightened up, his voice deep and reassuring. “Alright. I’ll take you upstairs.”

Isabella Austin gave him a small, satisfied smile, feeling even more triumphant inside.

Meanwhile, Emily Blair hadn’t stopped to wonder why Andrew Lane had doubled back so quickly—or how he’d managed to find her with such ease.

At that moment, an elderly woman blocked her path, clutching a long string of what looked like good luck charms. Without asking, the old woman plucked one off and pressed it insistently into Emily’s hand.

Emily raised her hand, frowning as she tried to refuse. “No, thank you. I really don’t need it.”

The old woman grinned obsequiously, her words tumbling out in a rush. “Young lady, this is a wonderful charm. Give it to someone who’s unwell, and they’ll recover in no time. Or keep it for yourself—it’ll help you heal, too. Lots of people have bought them already; they really work. Why not try one for yourself?”

“It’s only fifteen dollars for a charm—really not expensive. And look at you, your face is so pale, clearly you’re not well. How about this: take one home, and if it doesn’t work, I won’t take a cent.”

Emily wasn’t naïve. She wasn’t about to fall for some supposed miracle charm.

She simply took a step back, putting space between herself and the woman. “No, I don’t need it, thank you.”

But the old woman was relentless, trying to push the charm back into Emily’s hand. “No, no, you should take it—these really work! Just one, young lady, if it doesn’t help, you don’t have to pay.”

The charm was forced into Emily’s palm, and she scowled. “I told you, I don’t—”

“Let me see that.”

A low voice came from right behind her—Andrew Lane’s, close enough that it felt like he was standing shoulder to shoulder with her. His hand reached past her, plucking the charm from her palm and holding it between his long fingers.

The old woman’s smile faltered. She tried to push the charm back into his hand. “Take it, sir, take it! I promise, these charms work wonders. Ask anyone who’s bought one—they all got better and left the hospital, not a single problem since!”

Emily couldn’t help but laugh and shake her head.

The woman shot her a glare. “What are you laughing at? I’m telling the truth!”

Emily immediately put on a serious face, nodding solemnly. “Of course. I believe you. I’m sure your charm is absolutely miraculous.”

Her eyes danced with mischief as she looked over at Andrew. “So, Mr. Lane, you’d better buy it, quickly.”

Andrew shot her a cool glance. “You’re getting bolder every day.”