And then...

There was a faint smell of alcohol.

Emily glanced skeptically at Andrew Lane's clothes, then at the people around her.

This was an office building-did these people really need a drink just to discuss business here?

Someone broke the silence by launching into work talk, and suddenly the elevator was filled with chatter.

Every so often, Andrew Lane responded with a deep "Mhm," his low voice resonating above Emily's head.

Once their conversation wrapped up, someone hesitated before asking, “Mr. Lane, and this is...?"

Andrew Lane answered without missing a beat. “My sister."

Laughter rippled through the group. "So she's your sister! No wonder-Miss Lane is as beautiful as they say."

Emily kept her head down, making it hard for anyone to see her face. Most of them probably thought she was Amelia Lane.

Andrew Lane didn't correct them.

When the elevator finally stopped, Emily waited for the crowd to spill out before darting away.

But just as she made her move, a strong hand caught her by the wrist. "Where do you think you're going?"

The people ahead turned around, curiosity flickering in their eyes as they watched her and Andrew Lane.

Forcing a smile, Emily replied, "Obviously, I'm heading back."

Andrew's voice was low and steady. "I'll drive you."

With so many eyes on her, Emily felt her skin prickle with discomfort. “That's not necessary."

Andrew pulled her to his side, voice brooking no argument. "You don't have a choice."

Someone chimed in at just the right moment, laughing, “Mr. Lane, you and your sister sure are close. Siblings like you two always get along so well."

Emily's smile was all surface and no warmth.

On the drive back, she sat in the passenger seat. As Andrew opened the car door, she immediately spotted a folder resting on her seat.

Andrew, fastening his seatbelt, reached over, grabbed the folder, and tossed it into the back seat. His instructions were simple: "Put your seatbelt on."

Emily's gaze flicked to the folder in the back, then just as quickly away.

They drove in silence, the city lights flickering past the window as Emily watched the night blur by, feeling oddly at peace for the first time in a while.

But then, a phone rang, shattering the moment.

Andrew answered. "Isabella."

Isabella Austin's voice was faint through the speaker; Emily could only catch bits and pieces.

"Andrew... I want... can you come home..."

Emily had no interest in eavesdropping on Andrew and Isabella, and her mind started to drift-until Andrew's next words snapped her back to reality.

"Not feeling well?"

"The doctor said morning sickness is normal in the first trimester. What do you want to eat? I'll bring you something."

Emily's eyes trembled.

She didn't even catch what Andrew said next.

So much had happened lately that she'd almost forgotten Isabella was pregnant.

She closed her eyes, listening to the rare tenderness in Andrew's voice.

"Yeah, I'll be home soon."

Isabella must have said something funny; Andrew's lips curved in a soft smile. "Alright."

Just a quiet, gentle promise.

Emily sat in the car, watching as Andrew got out. He walked into the twenty-four- hour grocery store and stopped in front of the fruit display, carefully picking through apples and oranges.

Emily looked away, her eyes landing on a small figurine on the dashboard.

It was a tiny pink Kitty Cat.

The cute toy looked especially out of place in the somber, shadowed car.

She didn't have to guess who had put it there.

Turning her head, she could still spot Andrew Lane, standing out in the brightly lit

store.

For a fleeting moment, Emily felt like the villainess in someone else's story-the bitter supporting character, destined only to sabotage the couple's happiness.

In that moment, her confidence slipped, and insecurity gnawed at her. Even if she could live this life all over again, nothing seemed to change; Andrew Lane and Isabella Austin would always end up happy together, just like last time. Her gaze drifted to the folder on the back seat.

She could guess what was inside.

Almost without thinking, she reached back, pulled it open, and slid out the papers.

A stock transfer agreement.

What happened in her last life was happening all over again.

Andrew Lane was giving Isabella Austin a five percent stake in I&A as a reward for carrying his child.

Back then, after Isabella gave birth to their only son, Andrew transferred another five percent and five percent of The Lane Group, too.