Andrew Lane didn't answer. Instead, he walked over and carefully adjusted the scarf that had slipped from her neck, wrapping it securely around her again. Then he reached down and straightened the blanket across Isabella Austin's knees, making sure it was tucked in just right.

Once he was done, Andrew straightened up, his voice deep and reassuring. “Alright. I'll take you upstairs."

Isabella Austin gave him a small, satisfied smile, feeling even more triumphant inside.

Meanwhile, Emily Blair hadn't stopped to wonder why Andrew Lane had doubled back so quickly or how he'd managed to find her with such ease.

At that moment, an elderly woman blocked her path, clutching a long string of what looked like good luck charms. Without asking, the old woman plucked one off and pressed it insistently into Emily's hand.

Emily raised her hand, frowning as she tried to refuse. "No, thank you. I really don't need it."

The old woman grinned obsequiously, her words tumbling out in a rush. “Young lady, this is a wonderful charm. Give it to someone who's unwell, and they'll recover in no time. Or keep it for yourself—it'll help you heal, too. Lots of people have bought them already; they really work. Why not try one for yourself?"

"It's only fifteen dollars for a charm-really not expensive. And look at you, your face is so pale, clearly you're not well. How about this: take one home, and if it doesn't work, I won't take a cent."

Emily wasn't naïve. She wasn't about to fall for some supposed miracle charm.

She simply took a step back, putting space between herself and the woman. "No, I don't need it, thank you."

But the old woman was relentless, trying to push the charm back into Emily's hand. "No, no, you should take it-these really work! Just one, young lady, if it doesn't help, you don't have to pay."

The charm was forced into Emily's palm, and she scowled. "I told you, I don't—"

"Let me see that."

A low voice came from right behind her-Andrew Lane's, close enough that it felt like he was standing shoulder to shoulder with her. His hand reached past her, plucking the charm from her palm and holding it between his long fingers.

Emily's scowl deepened, and she immediately took a step away from him.

The old woman, however, had already shifted her attention, latching onto Andrew's arm. With the same eager pitch she'd used on Emily, she launched into her sales pitch again, barely changing a word.

Andrew pretended to study the charm with great seriousness, lowering his gaze as if he were thoroughly inspecting it, all the while listening intently to the woman's spiel.

The old lady beamed, convinced she'd found an easy mark. “Sir, these charms are just forty-five dollars each. Really, it's a bargain."

Emily's eyebrows shot up, amusement sparkling in her eyes.

Hadn't this woman just told her it was fifteen dollars? And now it was forty-five for Andrew?

A smile crept across Emily's face. She had no intention of warning Andrew about the price hike-she'd much rather watch him get taken for a ride.

After listening to the woman's pitch, Andrew simply nodded and returned the charm. "No, thank you. I'm not interested."

The old woman's smile faltered. She tried to push the charm back into his hand. “Take it, sir, take it! I promise, these charms work wonders. Ask anyone who's bought one—they all got better and left the hospital, not a single problem since!”

Emily couldn't help but laugh and shake her head.

The woman shot her a glare. "What are you laughing at? I'm telling the truth!"

Emily immediately put on a serious face, nodding solemnly. "Of course. I believe you. I'm sure your charm is absolutely miraculous."

Her eyes danced with mischief as she looked over at Andrew. "So, Mr. Lane, you'd better buy it, quickly."

Andrew shot her a cool glance. "You're getting bolder every day."