My Great Escape Led Me to You (Emily Blair) novel Chapter 611

Andrew Lane fixed his gaze on her, his voice low and steady. “Let’s set this aside for now. I promise I’ll give you an explanation.”

Emily Blair shot back, “An explanation? The kind Isabella Austin talks about? In that case, don’t bother.”

Andrew’s eyes darkened. “I assure you, this isn’t just going to blow over.”

“I don’t believe a word you say anymore,” Emily replied flatly.

A faint crease appeared between Andrew’s brows.

Emily glanced down at his hand, still blocking her path. “Are you stopping me because you’re afraid I’ll go over there and slap Isabella Austin?”

Andrew’s frown deepened. “You—”

But Emily suddenly yanked her arm free. “Since you’ve already made your choice, Mr. Lane, don’t pretend otherwise.”

Andrew’s dark, deep-set eyes never left her.

Emily didn’t hesitate—she turned and said, “Goodbye.”

“That’s it? You’re just going to let Ryan Cox walk away?” Elizabeth Wilson’s voice was thick with disdain.

Emily glanced back at the review board’s front entrance. “What do you want me to do? The Lane family’s pulled out all the stops.”

Elizabeth made a noise of irritation. “Andrew Lane and Isabella Austin—they’re everywhere, aren’t they?”

“Let’s go,” Emily said.

“Hold on!” Lucas Cox stepped in front of them, face contorted with anxiety and desperation. “If you two just leave, what happens to me? After everything I did today—risking everything—now you tell me Ryan Cox is off the hook? What am I supposed to do when Ryan Cox gets out? Do you think I’ll survive that?”

He gritted his teeth. “You owe me an explanation!”

Elizabeth looked over at Emily, uncertain.

Emily’s expression was calm. “Relax. This isn’t over yet.”

Lucas’s tone was almost a growl. “What can you do? The Lane family’s involved now—it’s way out of our league! What am I supposed to do with my life after this?”

“That’s your problem, not mine,” Emily replied coolly.

Lucas took a shaky breath, trying to compose himself. “What are you going to do?”

Emily didn’t answer him directly. “Take some time and cool off. Once things start moving, I’ll let you know.”

Lucas frowned. “What’s that supposed to mean? You’re not going to tell me?”

Emily gave him a pointed look. “The way you’re acting right now, how can I trust you?”

She lifted her chin slightly. “You’re too quick to get cocky. The less you know, the better.”

“You—!” Lucas was practically shaking with anger. “You’d better really have a plan. If not, I won’t let you off the hook.”

Emily ignored him and turned to Elizabeth. “Let’s go.”

Once they were in the car, Elizabeth glanced at her. “So, do you actually have a plan?”

Emily was about to answer when her phone rang in her pocket.

It was a call from Tristan Davis.

Surprised, Emily answered. “Why are you calling me at this hour?”

Tristan had supposedly been “out of town on business” lately.

Emily’s brows twitched, but she kept her voice casual. “That’s what best friends are for.”

Elizabeth threw her head back and laughed. “Best friends? If Tristan Davis heard that, he’d be furious.”

Emily just shook her head, turning her attention to a work message on her phone.

After Elizabeth finally finished laughing, she nudged Emily with her elbow. “Seriously, what’s your plan for Ryan Cox?”

Emily put her phone down and thought for a moment. “There’s always the internet’s favorite move.”

Elizabeth squinted. “What does that mean?”

A sly smile tugged at Emily’s lips. “Rally public opinion, of course.”

Elizabeth frowned. “You lost me.”

Emily forwarded a file Lucas Cox had sent her. “Didn’t we get our start making viral videos? Don’t tell me you’ve forgotten.”

Realization dawned on Elizabeth’s face, her eyes lighting up. “You mean...”

“We get a few big influencers to post this stuff, stir up some attention. These days, nothing enrages people more than corruption scandals,” Emily said, her tone cool.

“Right now, we’re the ones begging the review board for cooperation. But once public opinion heats up, it’ll be them begging us.”

Elizabeth arched an eyebrow. “You’re good.”

Emily let out a long breath. “If this doesn’t work, then I guess it’s time to bother Mr. Davis again.”

At the mention of Tristan, Elizabeth grew thoughtful. “Aren’t you even a little curious what Tristan Davis actually does? He keeps vanishing like that—honestly, I’m dying to know what he’s up to.”