A wave of bitter amusement swept over Emily Blair.

So even Isabella Austin-queen of self-promotion and trending scandals- understood there were some things best kept in the dark. She must realize that letting her own fans dox and harass random strangers online would leave a stain she couldn't easily scrub away.

Emily was certain Isabella tracked every mention of herself online; there's no way she hadn't noticed what was happening. In fact, Isabella was probably reveling in the chaos, maybe even feeling a twisted sense of pride.

And then there was Andrew Lane. There was no denying his involvement in all this.

Emily's phone buzzed with another call from an unknown number. Without hesitation, she rejected the call and then powered the phone off.

She flipped the device over, popped out the slim pin she kept tucked behind her phone case, and pressed it into the tiny hole at the side. The SIM tray popped out at once. She deftly removed the SIM card, slid it and the pin back into the case, and set the phone aside.

The housekeeper, standing nearby, blinked in surprise. “Ms. Blair, what if someone needs to reach you in an emergency? You won't be able to answer any calls."

"It's fine,” Emily replied coolly. "This is better."

No matter how many numbers she blocked, new ones always found their way through. Rather than play an endless game of whack-a-mole, she'd rather just take out the SIM card and be done with it.

She set the phone down on the nightstand, then pointed to her bag across the room. "Could you bring me my travel bag, please?"

The housekeeper nodded and quickly placed the bag at Emily's feet. "Ms. Blair, what do you need your bag for?"

Rummaging through the bag for clothes, Emily kept her answer short. "I'm heading out. You don't need to come."

She'd always known the housekeeper reported her daily activities to Andrew Lane— she'd overheard it once. The woman was discreet and never pried into her privacy, so Emily let it go. Still, she suspected that if she tried to leave, the housekeeper would follow.

But Emily had no intention of letting either Andrew or the housekeeper know where she was going today.

The housekeeper hesitated. "Ms. Blair, where are you headed? Why shouldn't I come along? Your ankle's still injured-wouldn't it be safer for me to go with you? If anything happens, I can help."

Emily pulled out an outfit and tossed it onto the hospital bed, ignoring the question. "Please step outside. I need to change."

Without waiting for a response, she started undoing the first button of her hospital gown.

The housekeeper paused, clearly wanting to say more, but finally turned and left the

room.

Emily's ankle was still sore, but changing clothes on her own was manageable-just a little slower getting her pants on, that was all.

Soon, she was dressed, had gathered her things, and was making her way out the door with the help of a crutch.

The housekeeper followed close behind, her voice anxious. “Ms. Blair, please let me come with you. Mr. Lane would be worried if you went out alone. I'd be worried too. I promise, I won't interfere—I'll just stay nearby. Is that all right?"

Emily's tone was cool and unwavering. “Go back. I said I don't need you with me, and I mean it."

The housekeeper's face fell. She hurried to support Emily, watching her carefully. “Ms. Blair, Mr. Lane specifically asked me to look after you. If something happens to you and I'm not there, I won't be able to explain myself. And if he finds out you went out alone, he'll blame me. Please, just let me come along I promise I won't do anything else."