My Great Escape Led Me to You (Emily Blair) novel Chapter 57

Amelia Lane seemed like she wanted to say more, but with Ms. Carter standing nearby, she didn’t dare push any further.

Out in the hallway, Emily Blair walked alongside Ms. Carter.

There was a trace of worry in Ms. Carter’s eyes. “Emily, I hadn’t realized things were so difficult for you. If you ever need anything, if there’s anything I can do, please come to me.”

Emily’s lips parted in a faint, almost invisible smile. “Thank you, but really, I’m fine. I don’t mind.”

Ms. Carter’s brow furrowed even deeper. “You’re allowed to mind, Emily. You have every right to be upset, to be angry.”

For a moment, Emily’s expression was blank—caught off guard by the words. No one had ever told her that before: that she was allowed to be angry, to care. She’d never dared to show it, because she’d always known no one would care what she thought.

But now, strangely, she really didn’t mind anymore.

She gave Ms. Carter a gentle, steady look. “Truly, Ms. Carter, I’m okay.”

She didn’t want Ms. Carter drawn into this mess. The Lane family’s influence in the city was overwhelming—something a high school teacher could never be expected to take on.

Ms. Carter let out a quiet sigh.

She’d heard bits and pieces about Emily’s troubles with the Lanes. She didn’t put any stock in rumors, though; she only trusted what she saw in this girl she’d taught a handful of times.

There was something so clear and honest in Emily Blair’s eyes. Ms. Carter believed in that honesty.

She knew it was the Lane family who’d broken Emily’s heart, forcing her into this impossible situation, leaving her with nothing but a quiet “I don’t mind” to defend herself.

The school’s anniversary celebration arrived in a blink. Two days later, Emily slipped into the evening gown Ms. Carter had arranged for her—hair swept up to reveal her slender, graceful neck and shoulders.

Her makeup was flawless and dramatic, stage-ready. The lipstick was a bold, smoky red that, instead of masking her youth, seemed to sweep away any trace of innocence, leaving her every bit the image of a classic beauty: alluring eyes, striking lips, and a poised silhouette.

Andrew Lane.

And with him, Isabella Austin.

Isabella was dressed to impress tonight. Emily recognized the brand immediately—it was a rare, haute couture gown from a luxury designer, the kind of dress that was the pride of the collection.

Of course, only Andrew Lane had the connections to secure a piece like that.

The difference was stark: Isabella’s dress was exquisite in every detail, tailored and flawless, while Emily’s own came from a rental shop on the corner—there was simply no comparison.

And Amelia Lane never missed a chance to take a jab. “So, Emily Blair, now that you’ve left the Lane family, this is what you’re reduced to? Not even a real designer dress?”

Slowly, Emily rose to her feet, the click of her heels steady as she turned to face them.