Chapter 380
She arched an eyebrow, lips sealed in silence, her eyes glinting with mockery as she let out a quiet, derisive laugh at Andrew Lane.
Andrew’s response was to pull her even closer, his arm tightening around her waist until there was barely an inch of space left between them.
He answered the call, his voice low and smooth. “Isabella.”
Though Andrew didn’t put the call on speaker, the hallway was quiet and Emily Blair stood so close that she caught Isabella Austin’s voice clearly.
Isabella’s tone was thick with tears, fragile and pitiful. “Andrew, I saw Emily’s post online. I just… I feel terrible, really
Her voice broke, the sobs more pronounced. “Andrew, I really don’t feel well. Can you come home and stay with me? I went to your office, but your assistant said you’d already left. I don’t know where you are and I’m scared.”
Emily nearly wanted to applaud. If Isabella ever set foot in show business, she’d have a shot at an Oscar with that performance.
So dramatic, so convincing-if Emily hadn’t already seen through Isabella’s act, she might have actually been moved by those tears.
No surprise, Andrew’s eyes darkened with concern. His voice softened as he soothed her. “I’m out right now. Head home first, I’ll be back soon.”
Emily lowered her gaze, listening quietly.
Andrew’s voice was impossibly gentle, overflowing with patience for the woman on the other end of the line.
This side of Andrew-this softness-only ever seemed to surface with Isabella Austin.
Isabella’s words trembled. “No, I’ll wait for you right outside your office. I’m not leaving until you come get me!”
Andrew looked a little helpless, his tone coaxing. “Be good, okay? Just go home first.”
“I’m not going anywhere. I’ll be right here—please hurry and pick me up, alright?”
Emily glanced down at Andrew’s arm, still wrapped around her waist.
His grip wasn’t nearly as tight as before undoubtedly because of Isabella.
No, not ‘undoubtedly’. Absolutely because of Isabella.
Maybe Andrew realized it too.
She watched him holding his phone, Isabella’s voice still pouring through the speaker, while Andrew patiently tried to calm her.
A spark of mischief and challenge flickered in Emily’s eyes.
Leaning in closer to the phone, she deliberately raised her voice, pitching it high and sweet. “Andrew, when are you taking me home? I’m getting so impatient waiting for you.”
For a split second, Isabella’s voice went silent. Andrew frowned, shooting Emily a sharp look.
Emily simply raised her brows at him, a mocking smile tugging at her lips.
Andrew’s gaze darkened, eyes flashing with warning.
On the other end, Isabella’s voice suddenly turned shrill. “Andrew, is Emily with you? You went to see her?”
She paused, catching herself, then softened her tone, sounding heartbreakingly delicate. “Andrew, would you really rather be with her than come see me?”
“Both me and the baby… we’re really not doing well
Andrew stared coldly at Emily, but his voice remained gentle as he comforted Isabella. “No, I’m coming to you right now. If you’re not feeling well, find somewhere to sit and wait for me. I’ll be there soon.”
Isabella’s voice was cautious, barely above a whisper. “Andrew, why did you go to see Emily? Is there something going on between you two?”
At that moment, the tension in Andrew’s arm—once as unyielding as stone- suddenly vanished. Emily gave a slight push, and his arm dropped away from her waist.