My Great Escape Led Me to You (Emily Blair) novel Chapter 783

No matter whether the truth is exactly as Benjamin Gomez described, this incident absolutely couldn’t reach the public. If word got out, the company’s reputation—and its stock—would take a hit.

Things hadn’t spiraled out of control yet; keeping the journalists at bay wasn’t too difficult at this stage.

Andrew Lane issued a few quick instructions to his assistant and then hung up.

He turned around and faced Benjamin Gomez. His dark eyes were calm, their depths unreadable. “What really happened with the accident?”

Benjamin stood with his arms crossed, unruffled. “Didn’t I just tell you? She ran into the street to save my daughter, and that’s when the car hit her.”

Andrew’s tone stayed neutral. “And this just happened to be on a stretch of road where the security cameras were out of order?”

Benjamin gave a short laugh. “Mr. Lane, what exactly are you implying? She’s in surgery right now. If you don’t believe me, you’re welcome to go in and see for yourself who’s on that operating table.”

“Or,” he tugged at the sleeve of his jacket with a smirk, “if you’re still not convinced, I’ve got her blood on me. Feel free to have it DNA tested.”

Andrew said nothing, simply holding Benjamin’s gaze.

Benjamin stared right back, then let out a breathy, incredulous laugh. “You don’t have to be so suspicious, Mr. Lane. Isabella Austin means nothing to me. If she hadn’t saved my daughter, I wouldn’t be standing here waiting for her.”

“But now that you’re here, I don’t have to wait around anymore.” He waved his hand dismissively. “My daughter still needs her bandages changed. I’m going to check on her—I’ll be back soon.”

Andrew watched Benjamin’s retreating figure for a long moment before finally looking away.

He turned to a nearby police officer. “Can you tell me what really happened with the accident?”

“Does your knee still hurt?” Benjamin asked gently.

Ashley blinked, then nodded seriously. “It still hurts.”

Benjamin hugged her tighter and sat down with her, his voice warm and low. “I’m so sorry, sweetheart. In a few days, it won’t hurt anymore. Were you scared?”

Ashley thought of what had happened with Tristan earlier, fear flickering in her eyes. She shrank back a little but shook her head. “It wasn’t your fault, Daddy. I’m not scared.”

Benjamin smiled, brushing her hair back. “You’re so brave.”

Ashley squeezed his neck, her little voice hopeful and soft. “Daddy, can I really stay with Mommy all the time now?”