My Great Escape Led Me to You (Emily Blair) novel Chapter 869

Tristan Davis shrugged. “I already celebrated his birthday with him yesterday. Missing today won’t hurt.”

Emily thought for a moment, then nodded. “All right then, let’s go—”

Before she could finish, she spotted Amelia Lane across the room, shouting something at Tanner Miller. Amelia turned, folding her arms, shoulders tense, but then she caught sight of Emily standing at the entrance to the ballroom.

Emily froze.

Even from a distance, she could see Amelia’s already angry face darken even further.

Tanner was still beside Amelia, talking a mile a minute, but Amelia just jabbed a finger in Emily’s direction, snapping something at him through clenched teeth.

Tanner followed Amelia’s gaze and spotted Emily too. He reached for Amelia’s arm, desperate, but Amelia shook him off and stormed toward the entrance, her heels making sharp, purposeful clicks against the hotel carpet.

It was déjà vu—last night all over again.

Amelia wanted to leave, Tanner tried to make her stay, but in the end, she always walked away.

In a few strides, Amelia was right in front of Emily. She shot her a murderous glare, muttered, “Just my luck,” between gritted teeth, and stalked off without another word.

Tanner followed her to the door, helplessly watching as she disappeared into the elevator.

Emily just stood there, numb.

Tristan tried to stifle a laugh and gave Tanner’s shoulder a sympathetic pat. “Tough break, man.”

Tanner frowned at Emily. “Seriously, what’s going on between you two that makes her react like that?”

Emily kept it brief. “Ever heard The Lane Family had an adopted daughter?”

Tanner thought for a second. “Vaguely. Didn’t she have a rough relationship with them?”

Emily nodded. “Rough doesn’t even begin to cover it.”

Emily shrugged. “Sure.”

Half an hour later, the birthday party was still in full swing, but Emily had all but collapsed onto a sofa, staring blankly ahead.

Tristan had just waved off yet another woman trying to flirt with him—and, while he was at it, gently discouraged a couple of men from approaching Emily. He dropped down beside her. “Bored? Want to dance?”

Emily’s empty gaze drifted over the couples pressed together on the dance floor. She shook her head immediately. “Not a chance.”

She glanced at the single red rose poking out of Tristan’s suit pocket, arching an eyebrow. “You’re quite the catch tonight. That from one of your admirers?”

In just the past few minutes, she’d watched several women try to chat him up.

Tristan plucked the rose from his pocket and grinned at her, making no attempt to deny it. “I suppose so.”

Emily just gave a small, dismissive huff.