My Great Escape Led Me to You (Emily Blair) novel Chapter 98

Claiming Territory

Andrew Lane lowered his gaze just a fraction, barely betraying any emotion as he looked over the group of students.

Instantly, they wilted under his stare, heads drooping as if they’d been scolded.

Elizabeth Wilson couldn’t help but twitch her lips in exasperation.

She glared at the boys and girls.

Spineless.

Emily Blair drew a steadying breath, her composure icy as she faced Andrew Lane. “What do you want?”

Her voice was steady enough, but she couldn’t quite hide the rawness in her throat.

She gave a cold, mocking smile. “Don’t tell me you want me to finish off the leftover wine from last night?”

Just then, the sharp click of high heels echoed outside the hospital room, followed by Isabella Austin’s voice.

“Why is everyone crowding the doorway? Why aren’t you inside?”

Isabella swept in wearing a white dress that set off her slender, graceful figure, radiating a kind of pure, understated beauty.

The boys and girls could only stare, caught off guard by how striking she looked.

Isabella approached, slipping her arm through Andrew Lane’s with a gentle smile. “You’re Emily’s friends, aren’t you? Andrew and I came to visit her. There’s no need to be nervous.”

One of the boys nodded dumbly, only snapping out of it when a girl beside him smacked his arm, prompting him to straighten up immediately.

Isabella gave a soft laugh, unconcerned, and took the insulated container from Andrew Lane, setting it on the nightstand beside Emily’s bed.

“Emily, I had Shirley at the estate make some chicken soup for you. I heard you’re fond of her cooking, so I brought some over. Try it, see if you like it.”

Shirley.

Emily’s brow twitched, her gaze turning sardonic as she looked away, focusing on the window.

Shirley was a longtime maid at the Lane Estate, and Isabella had just casually called it ‘home.’

Especially after last night—she’d already ended up with a bleeding stomach and was supposed to stick to bland food for now.

Isabella’s intentions weren’t exactly subtle.

Emily spoke in a low, even voice: “Ms. Austin, maybe you should keep a closer eye on your staff, so your family’s dogs don’t run wild and bite people again.”

Isabella’s eyes suddenly brimmed with tears, her voice trembling, “It was my staff’s mistake, and I apologize. I just hope you won’t stay angry.”

Before Emily could reply, Isabella clapped a hand over her mouth, gagging.

Andrew’s brows drew together, a flicker of concern passing through his eyes. He stepped forward, resting a supportive hand on Isabella’s shoulder.

“Are you all right?”

Isabella nodded, eyes shining with unshed tears, her voice small and shaky. “Yes.”

She leaned in, whispering in Andrew’s ear, her cheeks flushed. “It’s normal for the first three months. Don’t worry.”

Her words weren’t loud, but they were just clear enough for Emily Blair to hear.