Chapter 146

She pounded so hard on Andrew Lane’s back that the sound echoed, but all it did was make Andrew pick up the pace. His stride grew longer, his grip firmer, and Emily Blair was jolted so violently she nearly wanted to sink her teeth into him out of sheer frustration.
“Andrew Lane, have you completely lost your mind?” she snapped.
Andrew didn’t say a word. He yanked open the car door and all but tossed her onto the back seat.
The upholstery was soft, but Emily still landed in a disoriented heap, her head spinning from the rough handling.
Somewhere through the chaos, she heard Elizabeth Wilson’s voice.
“Andrew Lane, didn’t you hear her? She said she doesn’t want to go with you!”
With a sharp thud, Andrew slammed the door, cutting off any further protests from Elizabeth. The world outside became muffled.
Emily scrambled upright, scrambling to the window, her fingers fumbling with the handle, trying to open the door. But it was locked-both sides, she realized quickly. Andrew must have hit the central lock.
She could only see Andrew’s back as he turned away from the car, apparently saying something to Elizabeth. Elizabeth shot him a look of pure disgust, as if she couldn’t stand the sight of him.
Andrew didn’t bother to reply. He turned and got in the driver’s seat.
Elizabeth clenched her fists and looked toward Emily’s window, raising a hand to her ear in a clear “call me” gesture.
Emily nodded in understanding.
Moments later, Andrew started the car and pulled away, the engine roaring as he sped down the street. The acceleration pressed her into the cushion, the city lights blurring outside the window.
By now, Emily had regained her composure. She sat unmoved in the back seat, arms crossed, studying Andrew’s reflection in the rearview mirror.
He looked furious. His brow was drawn low, eyes dark and sharp, jaw tight. Whatever was bothering him, it was written all over his face.
Emily almost laughed.
Was he really this angry because she’d set up a street food stall near the campus gate? Did he think she was embarrassing the Lane family?
She broke the silence. “Relax, Andrew. Selling street food outside the school isn’t going to ruin your precious family’s reputation. I already told everyone-we’re done. The Lane family and I have nothing to do with each other anymore, so you can stop worrying about me dragging your name through the mud.”
She expected that to calm him down, but Andrew’s scowl only deepened. He glanced at her in the mirror, eyes cold.
Emily let out a bitter chuckle. “Then what’s your problem? Why are you so angry?”
It couldn’t be guilt, she thought. He couldn’t possibly care that her life hadn’t been easy since they cut ties.
No way. Absolutely not.
She didn’t need to think back to their past for proof—just the last few days were enough. Sophia Clark had practically stomped on her dignity, but Andrew had only intervened because she was Isabella Austin’s friend, arranging a VIP hospital suite for her father. When Kevin Lane kicked her out of the family, Andrew hadn’t lifted a finger to stop it.
It was obvious. He didn’t care how she survived, just wanted her out of his sight so he could live happily ever after with Isabella.
Andrew still said nothing.
Emily’s patience snapped. Her voice turned icy. “Andrew, you might want to let me out now. I reek of fried food. Wouldn’t want your car to smell, right? Imagine one of your clients, or Isabella, catching a whiff—I won’t be held responsible.”
After a few minutes, Andrew pulled up in front of an apartment building.
His voice was dripping with sarcasm. “Didn’t I just transfer you half a million dollars last week? Don’t tell me you’ve already burned through it.”
Emily crossed her legs, answering with easy nonchalance. “That’s right. Is there a problem?”
Andrew’s dark eyes locked on her through the mirror. “You spend money like water. Where do you get the nerve to walk away from the Lane family?”
Emily shot back with a mocking smile. “Well, I had to make room for you and Isabella, didn’t I? Your future kid can have my old room for the nursery. It gets great sunlight.”
Andrew’s lips curled into a cold, sardonic smile.
“Isabella’s kid won’t be needing you at least not for now.”
He looked away, focusing on the building’s entrance. “From now on, you’ll be living here. It’s close to campus, so getting to class won’t be a problem. If you need money, contact my assistant. I’ll make sure you’re taken care of.”