My Great Escape Led Me to You (Emily Blair) novel Chapter 9

“Emily, Isabella’s here. Come with me to say hello, will you?”

Emily Blair let out a cold, mirthless laugh.

Of course she wanted to meet her.

She wanted to see that woman pay for everything she’d done, and she intended to make it happen herself.

Standing in the living room, Emily watched as Andrew Lane rolled in Isabella Austin’s pale pink suitcase. His dark, deep-set eyes lingered silently, almost gently, on Isabella, who was already racing into Amelia Lane’s arms.

Isabella took the gift bag from Andrew, handing it to Amelia and to Grandpa Kevin.

“Amelia, I brought these gifts for you and Grandpa Kevin. I hope you’ll like them.”

Amelia squealed, her face alight with delight. “Isabella! How did you know I’ve been wanting this necklace forever?”

Isabella smiled softly, brushing Amelia’s hair from her face with a sisterly touch.

Grandpa Kevin glanced at the package of vitamins inside the bag. “Since you’re here, make yourself at home. I’ve got things to take care of, so I’ll leave you all to it.”

Isabella gave him a shy, grateful smile. “Thank you, Grandpa Kevin.”

Then, standing at Andrew Lane’s side, Isabella slipped her arm through his, as if she’d only just noticed Emily standing there. She offered a polite, distant smile.

“I’m sorry, Ms. Blair. I didn’t get a gift for you—I hope you’re not upset.”

Emily met her gaze steadily, not bothering to answer the question. “If there’s nothing else, I’ll head upstairs.”

Before Isabella could react, Emily caught the flicker of darkness in Andrew Lane’s eyes.

Amelia Lane scoffed, marching up to Emily. “What’s your problem, Emily? Isabella’s a guest in our home. Is this how you treat people?”

Emily’s voice was calm, almost indifferent. “No problem. She’s welcome here.”

Amelia sneered. “Drop the act.”

“Amelia,” Isabella said quietly, a hint of discomfort in her gentle voice. “It’s fine. Ms. Blair is part of the Lane family. She has every right to go where she wants.”

“I’ll show you to your room.”

He hadn’t answered Amelia, but that silence spoke volumes. He wouldn’t let Emily challenge Isabella. The message was clear.

A triumphant smile spread across Amelia’s face.

Isabella’s lips curled into a satisfied smile. “Thank you.”

Emily barely noticed. She’d grown numb to Andrew’s reactions long ago.

Without a word, she turned away and climbed the stairs.

Andrew paused, watching her go.

Isabella’s voice was soft. “Something wrong?”

For a second, Andrew’s eyes grew cold, but his tone remained gentle. “It’s nothing. Let’s go.”