My Great Escape Led Me to You (Emily Blair) novel Chapter 857

Emily’s eyes darted as a plan formed in her mind. She quickly took a screenshot of her chat with Albert and forwarded it to Emma.

Emily: *“Got plans tonight, meeting someone. No need to make me dinner.”*

A few minutes later, Emma replied:

Emma: *“Alright, have a good time catching up.”*

With her last tasks squared away, Emily left the office. Before heading out, she made a detour to the admin team’s area and tapped her nails against the director’s desk.

“You’ve all been working hard lately. Why don’t you go out for dinner together after work? I won’t join you, but I’ll cover the bill.”

That announcement sparked a wave of cheers and laughter.

Emily met Albert at their usual restaurant. They’d known each other for a while now, and with each meeting, their conversations had grown more relaxed—almost like catching up with an old friend.

Albert seemed eager to learn more about her, steering the conversation toward her personal life. Emily, true to form, shared bits and pieces, but before long she was back on familiar ground, discussing work—specifically, the ongoing partnership between their two companies. Talk of contracts, projects, and strategies spilled out of her almost without pause.

It wasn’t until she noticed the faintly exasperated look on Albert’s face that she laughed and stopped herself.

“Sorry, I shouldn’t be talking about work at dinner.”

Albert’s gaze was gentle, tinged with amusement.

“It’s fine. Say whatever’s on your mind. Honestly, I think we’re on the same wavelength anyway.”

Emily smiled, lips pressed together. Even so, for the rest of the evening, she avoided work talk altogether.

Later, while Albert was settling the bill, her phone rang. It was Tristan.

“Where are you? I saw your flight info come through,” Tristan said, his voice nearly drowned out by the distant honk of car horns.

After dinner, Albert walked Emily to her car and opened the door for her. He hesitated before asking, “Are you free tomorrow?”

Emily gave him a curious look. “Is there something you need?”

Albert blinked, his smile easy. “Can’t I just want to see you?”

She met his gaze for a moment, then shook her head with a small, apologetic smile. “I’ve got plans all weekend. Sorry, maybe another time.”

Albert’s disappointment flickered, but he remained the gentleman, smiling as he said, “Alright, next time then. Take care.”

When Emily got home, she found her suitcase standing by the door. She recognized it instantly—it was hers.

Tristan was sprawled out on the living room couch, one leg crossed over the other, looking perfectly at ease.

Emily walked over, voice cool but teasing. “So it was you who dug out my suitcase.”