My Great Escape Led Me to You (Emily Blair) novel Chapter 594

Noticing the way the little girl was glaring at her, Emily Blair scrambled to smooth things over. “No, that’s not what I meant—”

“Miss.”

A deep, slightly gruff voice sounded behind her.

Emily turned and saw Benjamin Gomez, his face set in a stony expression. He was staring at her, lips pressed into a hard line, clearly not in the best of moods.

Benjamin’s gaze was steady, almost cold, as he shot her a question. “Does Miss Blair live by the sea?”

Emily understood his meaning instantly and let out a weary sigh. “I’m sorry, I was just making conversation. I didn’t mean to pry.”

The little girl immediately hopped off the couch and ran into Benjamin’s arms. “Daddy, when are we going home?”

His voice softened at once. “Just a little longer, sweetheart. Is that okay?”

The father and daughter chatted comfortably, paying no attention to Emily standing awkwardly nearby.

Feeling the sting of their indifference, Emily excused herself and slipped away.

The party dragged on, dull as dishwater. Early on, Emily made small talk with other guests, but by the second half, she found herself curled up alone in a corner, bored out of her mind.

She was lost in thought when a young, piping voice broke in beside her. “Emily, Daddy and I are heading home.”

It was Benjamin’s daughter.

Emily snapped back to the present. “Oh, all right. Goodbye then.”

The little girl’s face was unreadable as she studied Emily, then took a few steps closer. “You never told me your name.”

Her serious tone made Emily laugh despite herself.

Emily fished a business card from her pocket and handed it over, only to pause and pull it back. “Wait, you haven’t told me your name either.”

The girl pouted, embarrassed. “That’s because you never asked.”

Raising her voice, she declared, “I’m Ashley Gomez. You’d better remember it.”

Ashley Gomez—Emily thought it sounded more like a nickname, but didn’t press the point. She smiled and handed the card back. “My name’s right here. Take a look.”

Ashley took the card, studying it with a seriousness that amused Emily.

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