Chapter 163

Arianna George’s brows knitted slowly. “What do you mean? Are you saying her boyfriend
Sophia Clark replied, “It’s not Andrew Lane’s fault. It’s the Lane family’s foster daughter—she’s been clinging to Andrew since they were kids. She knows he’s married, but she keeps chasing after him anyway. Shameless, honestly. When she found out Andrew and Isabella were getting engaged, she made a scene at the engagement party, almost ruined everything for Isabella.”
Arianna’s eyes narrowed. “The Lane family’s foster daughter?”
She vaguely remembered someone like that—the daughter of their chauffeur, if she wasn’t mistaken.
A shadow flickered in Sophia’s eyes. She knew the real story behind what happened at the engagement party, but hardly anyone else did; only those directly involved knew the truth. Most people believed Emily Blair had orchestrated the whole mess from behind the scenes.
Sophia said, “Yeah, you’ve met her before.”
Arianna looked up, confused. “Who?”
“One of the girls who were just here-Emily Blair.”
Arianna’s expression changed at once.
Emily, meanwhile, stood pale and silent, staring at her shoes. Elizabeth Wilson gently patted her shoulder.
“Let’s head back,” Elizabeth said. “Looks like that teacher’s got a bit of a temper. We can talk things over once we’re home.”
Emily knew there was no point standing around, so she just nodded. She and Elizabeth had only walked a few yards when a man in his fifties came trudging over, arms and shoulders loaded with bags and boxes, everything stacked so precariously it looked like it might topple at any second.
Without thinking, Emily stepped forward to help. “Sir, where do you live? My friend and I can help you carry these.”
The man’s eyes crinkled with a kind smile. “Thank you, girls. My place is just up ahead-not far at all. You’re real lifesavers.”
He was dressed simply, with worn clothes and even a yellowish sweat stain at his collar. Up close, there was a strong scent of sweat, but his voice was gentle and grateful.
Looking at him, Emily couldn’t help but think of her own late father.
She smiled. “It’s really no trouble.”
As they walked, the man glanced at her. “I saw you two waiting over there earlier. Are you looking for someone?”
Emily bit her lip, a little embarrassed. “I forgot to sign up for a competition. The teacher here has the last spot, so I wanted to ask if she’d consider letting me have it.”
The man looked surprised. “You don’t seem like the type to forget something like that. How’d it slip your mind?”
There was no way Emily could admit the truth-that she’d missed the deadline because she’d come back from another life. Anyone would think she was crazy.
She said, “I never really cared much about piano before. It’s only recently that I’ve decided to take it seriously. By the time I made up my mind, the sign-ups were already closed.”
The man sighed. “Ah, I see. Well, that teacher lives right next to me. She’s got a bit of a reputation for being strict, so you might have a tough time convincing her.”
Emily’s voice was soft but determined. “That’s all right. It was my fault for missing the deadline. I’ll accept whatever happens.”
He nodded, catching his breath. “All right then, let me give you some advice.”
He lowered his voice like he was sharing a secret. “She’s been spending a lot of time in her garden lately, trying to grow her tulips. But there’s been a rat problem— they keep chewing up her flowers. If you two have some free time, maybe you can help out. You never know if you solve her problem, she might just say yes.”
Emily’s eyes lit up. “Thank you for the tip, sir.”
The man guided them as they set his bundles down outside his door. He waved cheerfully. “That’s it. Thanks again. Do you want to come in for some water before you go?”
But Emily was eager to move on. “No, thank you, sir. Goodbye!”