My Great Escape Led Me to You (Emily Blair) novel Chapter 500

500 /674

Dennis Lane was born to Isabella Austin five years ago. He’d just turned five—a notoriously mischievous age, when even the most patient parents could find themselves at their wits’ end. Since the day Dennis came into the world, Kevin Lane had doted on him endlessly, treating him like the apple of his eye, indulging his every whim. Whatever Dennis wanted, he got. No wonder the boy was riding high on all the attention.

After Dennis was born, Andrew Lane’s focus shifted noticeably.

He used to be a workaholic, spending long days and even longer nights at the office, rarely coming home. But after Dennis arrived, Andrew started investing more time in his family and son. He became infinitely more patient, always willing to grant Dennis’s requests. Still, when it came to the important moments of discipline, Andrew never wavered—he remained firm and serious.

Compared to Andrew, both Kevin Lane and Isabella Austin were softer, more indulgent. Maybe that’s why Dennis listened to Andrew more than anyone else—he was genuinely afraid of making his father angry.

Thinking of this, Isabella couldn’t help but chuckle. “Dennis was just telling me not to let you know where he was. If he sees you here, he’s going to be so surprised.”

Andrew’s tone was cool and matter-of-fact. “He’s too wild. He needs to learn some self-control.”

Isabella nudged his arm, half amused and half exasperated. “Andrew, he’s just a five-year-old boy. You can’t expect him to be calm and collected at this age. Not everyone is like you, you know—quiet and serious even as a child.”

Andrew said nothing more.

As they spoke, the two reached the children’s play area. Immediately, they spotted a little boy bouncing higher than anyone else on the trampoline.

Dennis’s smart little suit was now rumpled and askew from all his running around. Despite the mall’s blasting air conditioning, sweat plastered his hair to his forehead, and the towel Isabella had draped around his neck earlier had long since disappeared.

Andrew frowned and exchanged a few quiet words with the attendant near the entrance. Within moments, Dennis was being led out, looking nervous and uncertain.