Chapter 381

Andrew Lane narrowed his eyes, rubbing his tired brow with his fingertips. “It was just a coincidence,” he said, his voice low. “Don’t read too much into it.”
On the other end of the call, Isabella Austin’s voice was soft and uncertain. “But… it sounded like she was right there, really close to you
Emily Blair stood about six feet away from Andrew, watching him with a cool,
detached gaze.
He ignored Isabella’s question, merely replying, “Find somewhere to sit and rest for
a while. Or you can wait in my office-I’ll take you to the hospital soon.”
“Alright,” Isabella murmured, “but please hurry
Just as Andrew was about to hang up, Isabella suddenly raised her voice, insistently, as if trying to make herself heard over everything else. “Andrew, I just want you to come alone. Is that okay?”
Emily arched a brow; Isabella’s meaning couldn’t have been clearer.
Andrew glanced at Emily, then quickly agreed, “Alright.”
Once the call ended, Emily clapped her hands together, the sharp sound echoing in the room. “Mr. Lane and Mrs. Lane are such a loving couple,” she quipped, her tone light but edged. “I can’t wait for your engagement party.”
Andrew pocketed his phone, shooting her a warning glare. His voice dropped, cold and resolute. “I’ll speak to the school about your withdrawal, but don’t even think about it. It’s not happening.”
Emily’s lips curled into a faint, indifferent smile. “Whatever you say. If you can pull it off, be my guest.”
“Don’t try any tricks,” Andrew warned. “Tomorrow, I’m coming to take you home. Tonight, I’ll have someone keeping an eye on this place.”
With Isabella urging him, Andrew tossed out the words and strode off without a backward glance.
Emily watched his hurried retreat, her expression cooling. She turned, steadying herself against the wall as she stumbled back into the room.
Emma George quickly hurried to her side, supporting her with a look full of concern. “Emily, we ought to leave as soon as possible. With the way Andrew Lane’s acting, who knows what he’ll try next?”
Emily paused, surprised. She’d already thought about leaving as soon as Andrew arrived, but she hadn’t expected Emma to be thinking the same thing.
A faint smile flickered across her face. She nodded. “We’ll go tomorrow. Tonight, let’s pack up our things. I’ll book us a flight for tomorrow morning.”
Emma nodded eagerly. “Sit tight—I’ll get the rest of our stuff together.”
After a moment’s thought, Emily said, “But there’s something I still need to do.” Emma looked puzzled. “What is it?”
Emily pressed her lips together. “I need to step out for a bit. I’ll be back soon.” Emma hesitated, then asked, “Do you want me to come with you?”
Emily shook her head. “No, I’ll be fine. I need to go alone.”
Emma still looked worried, but didn’t push. Alright. Just don’t be long-it’s late.”
Emily planned to leave tomorrow morning with Elizabeth Wilson and her grandmother. She quickly messaged Elizabeth, letting her know their departure
time.
Elizabeth replied almost instantly: “All set. I’m ready whenever you are.”
Everything was in place-except for Andrew Lane.
Emily glanced at her phone, her eyes lingering on a new message.
Half an hour later, she sat in a secluded booth of a quiet restaurant, watching as a server pushed open the door. The restaurant manager followed, respectfully guiding Kevin Lane into the room.
Emily remained seated, calm and composed, watching as Kevin took the seat across from her.