Chapter 508

Isabella Austin’s smile grew stiff, but she quickly composed herself. “Of course not. I just wanted to remind you of the boundaries between Andrew and me. I’d hate for you to forget and overstep-Andrew and I would both find that very troubling.”
Emily Blair arched a brow. “Are you suggesting I’d ignore all the young men in the world just to chase after someone else’s husband?”
She didn’t bother hiding the sarcasm in her voice.
With a light, dismissive laugh, Emily added, “If that’s how you see it, Mrs. Lane, you’re overthinking things. Honestly, I prefer my men a little younger and a lot more straightforward. At least they’re honest, wouldn’t you agree?”
Isabella’s expression darkened, but she kept up her air of elegance. “I certainly hope that’s the case.”
“Tonight happens to be the fifth anniversary of Andrew’s and my marriage,” Isabella continued. “If you’re free, you should come by. The Lane family kids have all been asking about you.”
Emily let out a soft chuckle. “Thank you. I’ll be there on time.”
She spun on her heel and strode out of the restroom, her exit as crisp as her tone.
Running into Isabella had left Emily feeling sour, her mood prickly and unsettled as she walked down the quiet hallway.
She’d barely made it a few steps when someone called out, “Emily Blair.”
She nearly groaned. First Isabella, now Andrew Lane.
Smoothing her expression, Emily turned around to find Andrew leaning casually against the wall, his dark eyes shadowed and sharp beneath the bright lights. “Mr. Lane, can I help you?”
He straightened, gaze unwavering. “Boyfriend?”
Emily raised an eyebrow, smiling wryly. “Why, Mr. Lane, are you interested in meeting my boyfriend?”
He watched her, voice low and cool. “I recall telling you I expect all aspects of our business partners’ lives—including personal relationships—to remain complication- free ”
Emily cut him off briskly. “I understand perfectly, Mr. Lane. Rest assured, my private life won’t interfere with our work.”
Andrew’s tone iced over. “How am I supposed to take your word for it? It’s hard to trust empty assurances.”
Emily’s eyes darkened. He was clearly determined to make things difficult. What kind of business partner obsessed over someone’s dating life?
She opened her mouth to speak. “I—”
“There’s no need for concern, Mr. Lane.”
A warm arm slipped around her shoulders, drawing her into a firm embrace. Startled, Emily looked up to see Tristan Davis grinning down at her.
She caught on immediately, flashing a silent, grateful smile and allowing Tristan to pull her closer.
She ducked her head, listening as Tristan addressed Andrew with perfect ease.
“Mr. Lane, you might not know this, but Emily and I have been together for five years. Things have always been great between us—not a single issue.”
He shot Emily a fond look. “She’s my first love, so of course I want to treat her well. I’d never let anything come between us, would I?”
He sounded so earnest, so heartfelt, anyone listening might have believed every word.
Something in Emily’s chest fluttered.
For a long moment, Andrew said nothing. Emily glanced up at him, searching for any hint of emotion, but his face remained impassive, lips pressed into a thin, unreadable line.
“Well, Mr. Lane,” Emily prompted, “do you have any other questions? If not, we’ll be on our way. I have things to take care of later.”