My Great Escape Led Me to You (Emily Blair) novel Chapter 555

Isabella paused, a flicker of surprise in her eyes. “Andrew?”

Andrew Lane glanced one last time at Emily Blair, who was staggering ahead, bracing herself against the wall. His tone was low and resolute. “If she wants to leave, let her.”

With that, Andrew turned and started up the stairs, not sparing Emily another glance.

Isabella pressed her lips together in a faint, knowing smile, her gaze lingering on Emily for a moment before she fell in step behind Andrew.

Satisfied, Alex White took Cynthia by the arm and ushered her up the stairs as well.

The rest of the group exchanged subtle glances, keeping their eyes down and their expressions neutral, then trailed after the others without a word.

Emily managed a few unsteady steps before slumping into a chair in the corner. She let her head rest against the wall, eyes fluttering shut as exhaustion washed over her.

Once the main group had left, the bar quieted for a brief moment before the usual chaos resumed—laughter, music, and the clinking of glasses filling the air.

Across the crowded room, several men couldn’t help but stare at Emily for some time, their gazes lingering with barely disguised interest before they finally looked away.

“Come on, Andrew, you hardly ever make it out with us. You can’t refuse a drink tonight, can you?”

A friend grinned, handing Andrew a glass of whiskey. “It’s been ages since we’ve all gotten together. I know you’re always looking out for Isabella, so she’s off the hook—but you owe us a toast.”

Andrew took the glass, downed it in one go, and set it back on the table.

“Now that’s class,” another friend laughed, clapping him on the shoulder.

A third chimed in, “You haven’t been back in the city for years, Andrew. You’ve been overseas for so long—the last time we saw you must’ve been five years ago. Since you’re finally back, you better stay late tonight. We’ve got a lot of catching up to do.”

A few awkward laughs followed. “Guess Alex is just thinking ahead. We’re the ones getting carried away.”

Andrew’s voice cut through, steady and deep. “I won’t get drunk.”

He reached for another full glass and drank it down, his tone even more resolute. “It’d take a lot more than this to get me drunk—Alex, you worry too much.”

Alex just raised an eyebrow. “Alright, Andrew. You win.”

Another friend chuckled. “Alex is just looking out for you two—and speaking of, I still haven’t met your son. When are you and Isabella going to introduce Dennis to us, Andrew?”

At the mention of their son, Isabella’s smile grew warmer. “That kid’s always off on some adventure. Next time we get together, I’ll make sure to bring him along for you all to meet.”

Her friend grinned back. “Looking forward to it. I’ll have to bring a special gift for Dennis when that day comes.”