My Great Escape Led Me to You (Emily Blair) novel Chapter 651

Isabella instantly sobered up, jolted alert by the sharp look in Andrew’s eyes.

She made a snap decision—there was no way she could let Andrew or Dennis find out about her connection to Ashley and Benjamin.

Stepping forward, she gently took Dennis from Andrew’s arms, a soft smile curving her lips. “Dennis, I’m so sorry. Mommy’s been caught up with work these days and didn’t have time to be with you. I didn’t even know you were sick. If I’d known, I would have come home right away to take care of you.”

Dennis curled up against her, his small voice muffled by distress. “Mommy, I don’t feel good.”

He sniffled, clinging to her. “Where have you been, Mommy? You haven’t slept with me these past few nights.”

Isabella stroked his back soothingly. “That’s my fault, sweetheart. I’m so sorry.”

Emily, meanwhile, stepped back to watch the scene unfold, amused and intrigued. “Well, looks like everyone here knows each other. I’ll leave you to catch up.”

The silent, intense standoff between Andrew and Benjamin was practically electric—two men quietly sizing each other up, each refusing to look away.

Andrew’s brow furrowed. “Did you all come here together?”

Isabella knew he wanted an explanation, and she absolutely couldn’t give Benjamin or Ashley a chance to say something reckless.

Her words tumbled out quickly. “I just finished work and happened to run into Mr. Gomez and his daughter on their way to the hospital. I thought I could help out, so I came along. I didn’t expect we’d all run into each other here.”

Benjamin’s lips twisted in a mocking smile at her formal “Mr. Gomez,” but he didn’t correct her, letting Isabella spin her story.

When she finished, Andrew’s frown softened a fraction. “Funny. I haven’t heard anything about Mr. Gomez having a daughter—she looks pretty grown up, too.”

Isabella’s heart skipped a beat, but she was ready with an excuse.

Just as Benjamin opened his mouth, Isabella cut in quietly, “She’s adopted. A few years ago, from overseas.”

She lowered her voice, leaning in conspiratorially. “Andrew, she’s still adjusting. Maybe don’t ask too many questions right now.”

Andrew didn’t respond, his expression unreadable. She couldn’t tell if he believed her or not.

Emily shrugged, totally casual. “We just met a few days ago. Is that a problem?”

Isabella stared, startled, then looked anxiously at Benjamin. “Is that true?”

Benjamin met her gaze and gave a low, noncommittal grunt.

Ashley, meanwhile, had noticed the little boy in Isabella’s arms. She frowned, clearly displeased, and opened her mouth to say something.

Isabella could almost sense what she was about to do—call her “Mommy” again in front of everyone. She had no energy to deal with Emily and Benjamin’s situation with this looming crisis.

She quickly cut Ashley off, “Mr. Gomez, Ashley’s running a fever. You should get her to a doctor right away—don’t waste time.”

She turned to Ashley, speaking gently but firmly. “Ashley, do you remember what I just told you? You need to listen to your dad and the doctor, take your medicine, and get better, okay?”

She continued, coaxing, “Your dad and I both care about you a lot. Be good for the doctor and get well soon. Promise?”