They were talking about sanitary pads.

Biting her lip, she took the packet and murmured, "I know."

With that, she slammed the door shut.

Of course she knew how to use them. Even though it had come late for her, she'd learned everything she needed to know.

She came out a little late, having spent extra time in the bathroom rinsing out her pants and underclothes, which had set her behind.

When she finally sat down at the dining table, Andrew Lane glanced toward the housekeeper. "Is the food ready?"

The housekeeper replied and brought the dishes out from the kitchen.

Emily kept her head down the entire time, not daring to meet anyone's eyes.

It was the housekeeper who finally broke the tension with a smile. "It's nothing, Ms. Blair. This is perfectly normal. No need to be embarrassed."

Emily kept her gaze on her plate, eating in silence.

Then she heard Andrew Lane's laughter. She immediately snapped her head up and glared at him. “Don't you dare laugh at me again."

Andrew's dark eyes sparkled with warmth and mischief. "I just think you're adorable."

Her cheeks flushed even deeper.

Andrew leaned back and said, “You don't need to be embarrassed. You're a woman -you probably understand this better than I do."

Emily knew that periods were just a fact of life, nothing to be ashamed of. Still, hearing Andrew say it out loud felt strange, awkward in a way she couldn't explain.

Just a moment ago, she'd been insisting on keeping their distance, but now, thanks to a single offhand remark from Andrew, the whole atmosphere between them felt muddled, as if some invisible line had been blurred.

Not to mention, Emma George was still right there.

Emily couldn't help looking over at her mother, who seemed a bit stunned herself, as

if she couldn't believe how absurdly off-track things had gotten.

"All of that is in the past. I've pretty much forgotten about it," Emily said, taking a deep breath, trying to steady the lingering embarrassment. "There's nothing left for us to discuss. You should go."

Andrew's eyes narrowed, his tone unreadable. "Forgotten, have you?"

Before he could say more, Emma George stood abruptly, placing herself firmly between Emily and Andrew. "Mr. Lane, I respect your accomplishments, but I won't stand by while you hassle my daughter. She has every right to do as she pleases, and unless she's breaking the law, I'd appreciate it if you kept out of her decisions. The least you can do is respect her."

Emily stared blankly at her mother's back, momentarily stunned.

Once she recovered, she gently tugged Emma's sleeve, pulling her to her side. "Mom, let me handle this."

She stood up as well, looking down at Andrew Lane with calm, clear eyes.

“Mr. Lane, did you tell Ms. Austin you were coming here today?" she asked, voice steady.

Andrew raised an eyebrow. "What are you getting at?"

Emily gave him a small, knowing smile. “Surely you're aware that Ms. Austin isn't exactly fond of me. She's always worried about my relationship with you, constantly on edge, as if she's terrified something's going to happen between us. You know that, don't you?"

Andrew didn't respond.

Emily pressed on, "Ms. Austin struggles with depression. If she finds out you came to see me behind her back, it might make things worse for her."

"You care about her, Mr. Lane. I doubt you want to see her condition deteriorate. So I suggest you head back to her now. If she finds out you're here, she'll probably start spinning stories again, saying I lured you over. What am I supposed to do then?"

"There's still time for you to make things right. Go back, Mr. Lane."

Her words were sharp, each sentence barbed and pointed, a masterclass in veiled accusation.

When she finished, she didn't even pause for breath-she simply stood there, quietly watching Andrew Lane.

He braced his hands on his knees and slowly rose from the sofa, his cool gaze fixed on her face, unreadable.

Emily extended her hand toward the door. “Mr. Lane, this way, please."

Her voice was icy, and she turned to open the door for him.

Emma George crossed her arms and let out a cold huff, making it clear Andrew wasn't welcome.

But then, something completely unexpected happened.

As Emily turned away and looked aside, she caught, out of the corner of her eye, a sudden movement—a tall, striking figure shifting in her direction.