There was no mistaking the provocation in Emily Blair's words. Isabella Austin could sense every hidden barb, every deliberate twist designed to rile her up. She knew exactly what Emily was trying to do. She trusted Andrew Lane-believed in his love, believed he wouldn't betray her. And yet, none of that stopped the frustration from simmering inside her.

She gripped her phone so tightly her knuckles turned white, staring at the screen as if she could burn a hole right through it.

"Emily Blair. Why is it always you?" she muttered through clenched teeth.

Without another thought, Isabella swung her legs off the bed and strode to the door, flinging it open with a burst of energy.

There was no way Andrew had gone to bed this early, not when Emily Blair was still lurking around. He wouldn't be spending time alone with her. No chance.

Andrew never locked his door to her. If she wanted in, she went in.

Isabella's footsteps echoed down the hallway as she marched straight to Andrew's room and threw open the door, only to find it empty.

Her heart twisted with helpless anger. For a moment, she just stood there, jaw tight, eyes burning.

She yanked out her phone, scrolled to Andrew's number, and hit call.

***

At the airport, Elizabeth Wilson and Emma George positioned themselves like a human shield in front of Emily Blair. Anytime a bodyguard edged closer, they'd jump in front, glaring defiantly. Elizabeth even grabbed her grandmother and pulled her between them and the bodyguards.

The bodyguards exchanged frustrated glances.

Seriously? This was getting ridiculous.

One of them massaged his forehead, trying to keep his temper in check. He raised

his hand but hesitated. “Mr. Lane, what do you want us to do?"

If it were just the two women, they'd have stepped in already. But with a frail, stooped old lady in the middle, they didn't dare make a move. The last thing they needed was to scare her and have something happen on their watch.

Elizabeth's grandmother looked confused. “Elizabeth, who are these people? They look so intimidating. Are they gangsters? Maybe we should just call the police?"

The bodyguards exchanged another look. Sure, call the police in the middle of the night—maybe they'd arrest their own boss while they were at it.

Elizabeth wrapped an arm around her grandmother's shoulders and whispered, "Don't mind them, Grandma. They're just a bunch of lunatics. You just stay right here with me. They won't dare touch us."

Her grandmother's eyes crinkled with a gentle smile. "Alright, dear. But the plane's taking off soon. Shouldn't we head for the gate?”

Elizabeth shrugged off the rest of the world and started chatting with her

grandmother, as if Andrew Lane and the bodyguards didn't even exist.

The bodyguards watched the scene unfold, their faces growing darker with frustration.

"Mr. Lane, what should we do now?"

Emily Blair, keeping herself safely behind Elizabeth, toyed with her phone and shot Andrew a sly smile. “Andrew Lane, maybe you should check your phone?"

Almost as if on cue, a shrill ring cut through the tension-the sound coming from the pocket of Andrew's suit jacket.

Emily didn't have to guess. She knew Isabella would never allow Andrew to be alone with her. The moment Isabella saw those messages, she would call.

Andrew glanced at the caller ID, his eyes dark and unreadable as he flicked a look at Emily.

He motioned for the bodyguards to be quiet, then answered the call.

"Isabella." His voice grew soft, a gentleness settling into his features. Elizabeth caught the shift and rolled her eyes so hard it was almost audible.

Emily was too far away to hear Isabella's voice, but she saw the way Andrew's expression softened, that veil of tenderness drifting over his face.

Andrew listened patiently, eyes lowered, his voice quiet and reassuring.

Suddenly, something Isabella said made him look up, his gaze landing on Emily, sharp and searching.