Just then, Andrew Lane walked out of the kitchen with a bowl of noodles in his hands. There was already another bowl of noodles set out on the dining table.

Two bowls-enough for just two people.

Isabella Austin slipped off her shoes with practiced ease, swapped them for a pair of house slippers from the cabinet, and walked over to Andrew. In a gentle, almost tender voice, she helped him untie his apron and took the steaming bowl from his hands, placing it on the table.

"My favorite simple broth noodles. Andrew really is a great cook."

Emily Blair finally understood. So that's what he meant when he said he was making noodles earlier he never said they were for her.

And now, the real guest had arrived.

How foolish of her to presume.

Isabella took a small sip of the broth with a spoon, a slow smile spreading across her face. "Delicious."

Before Andrew could say anything, Isabella covered her mouth, feigning embarrassment. “Oh, I completely forgot―Ms. Blair, have you had dinner yet?"

She glanced apologetically at the two bowls. "There's only enough for Andrew and me. What will you do, Ms. Blair?”

Emily watched her little performance with cold detachment, about to respond, when Andrew cut her off.

"I'll have someone drive her home."

Just like before. Andrew chose Isabella without the slightest hesitation.

Emily saw the quick, victorious flicker of a smile at Isabella's lips before she put on a show of concern. "But it's so late. Wouldn't it be dangerous for Ms. Blair to go home alone?"

Andrew's answer came without a moment's pause. "It won't."

Isabella let out a delighted little laugh. “Ms. Blair, I'm sorry for the trouble."

"I'll be staying here tonight, so it wouldn't be convenient for me to walk you downstairs."

As she said this, Andrew looked over at Emily.

Emily's face remained perfectly calm—no trace of rejection or disappointment, just quiet acceptance of their arrangement.

He frowned, the gesture barely noticeable.

But after a brief moment, his expression softened.

Between Emily Blair and Isabella Austin, he knew exactly where his loyalties lay.

Emily had seen it coming all along.

In both her past and present life, with Andrew Lane, she and Isabella were never a choice—just a blank to be filled, and Isabella was always the answer.

No one else.

Which was just as well; Emily didn't want to linger here any longer. She just wanted to leave as quickly as possible.

With brisk efficiency, she put on her shoes. "I'll see myself out. No need to see me off."

She left swiftly, closing the door behind her.

After a long moment, Andrew suddenly paced over to the entryway, grabbed his keys. “I'll go walk her down. You go ahead and eat."

Isabella's eyes widened in surprise. “Andrew?"

His hand was already on the doorknob. "I'll be right back."

Isabella forced down her rising panic, managing a smile. "Alright, I'll wait for you."

Emily had barely settled into the car before Andrew appeared downstairs.

She acted fast, locking the door and rolling down the window just enough.

“Mr. Lane, you should go back and keep your girlfriend company. Really, you don't need to see me off."

Andrew's brow creased ever so slightly. "Emily Blair.”

She turned to the driver. "Let's go. We shouldn't keep Mr. Lane from his date."

Back at the Lane Estate, maybe because Andrew, Amelia Lane, and Isabella Austin were all out, Emily found herself eating dinner in peace for the first time in ages.

At the table, Grandpa Kevin looked up and asked, "You usually stay over at Andrew's place. Why are you back tonight?"

Emily answered simply, "Andrew's got a date with Ms. Austin. I didn't want to get in the way."

The words landed like a bomb. Even the housekeepers exchanged startled glances.

In the past, Emily would have made a scene. Nobody expected her to be this calm.

Emma, on the other hand, was so flustered she could barely eat.

Before anyone could react, Emily laid down her fork and delivered another shock. "Grandpa, I'd like to move out. Would that be alright?"