Andrew Lane murmured, “Yeah, something came up."

"It's fine. I'll be back soon. Why don't you get some sleep? It's already late."

"Don't overthink things. You haven't been feeling well lately, so try to rest more, okay? Don't make me worry about you, alright?"

This time, Andrew fell silent for a long while.

Emily Blair exchanged a look with Elizabeth Wilson and Emma George, then quietly reached for her travel bag.

The bodyguards tracked her every move with cold, unblinking eyes. As she made to turn away, one of them suddenly widened his eyes, his face darkening as he lunged forward, ready to intercept her.

Elizabeth jumped into action, throwing herself into the fray and using herself and her grandmother as a human shield, blocking and dodging as best she could.

But it was no use. The two bodyguards clamped down on her and her grandmother's shoulders—firm, not rough, but strong enough that they couldn't move. Another guard grabbed Emma by the arm.

As Elizabeth watched the remaining bodyguards push past them, reaching for Emily, she panicked. Without thinking, she lashed out, kicking the nearest guard square in the most vulnerable spot.

His face flushed scarlet; he doubled over in agony, clutching himself, his whole body shuddering.

Elizabeth had grown up on the rough side of town-she knew exactly where to hit a man to make it count, and she didn't hold back.

She wrenched herself free of his grip and spun around, racing toward the guard who was about to grab Emily.

Just as she turned, she saw Emily move with surprising speed, already slipping past the security checkpoint. The guard was stopped cold by airport security, left fuming and helpless on the other side.

Sweat broke out on the guard's forehead; he looked about ready to storm through and drag Emily back by force.

The airport staff looked utterly overwhelmed. This man who had stormed in to grab someone was clearly not to be trifled with, and the four bodyguards he'd brought along didn't look much better.

One staff member eyed the stone-faced guards warily and asked in a hushed voice, "Are you guys with the mob or something?"

The bodyguard just grunted, "No."

The staff member nodded, clutching his handheld scanner, and stepped back. He glanced from Emily, to the guards, to the man on the phone, looking more and more exasperated.

"Still, you can't come in. Airport regulations," he said firmly.

Emily stood just inside security, travel bag in hand, locking eyes with Andrew Lane.

Her gaze was clear and steady, her voice cool and resolute: “Mom, Elizabeth, Grandma—you can come in now."

Elizabeth gave a dismissive snort, brushed the guard's hand off her grandmother's shoulder, grabbed her suitcase, and strode toward the checkpoint.

Emma hurried to follow her.

Andrew's eyes narrowed, his expression darkening as he muttered something into the phone, then hung up.

The lead guard immediately grabbed Emma by the arm, turning to Andrew for instruction. "Mr. Lane?"

He clearly wanted to ask if they should use the others as leverage to force Emily back.

Emma gave a startled cry, and Emily's face went cold.

But Andrew shook his head. "Let her go."

Emily's brows knit in surprise.

Elizabeth, glancing back, thought Andrew must be out of his mind, and quickly pulled her grandmother and Emma through security.

Andrew's dark eyes stayed locked on Emily, his voice icy. "Emily Blair, think

carefully. Are you sure you want to leave?"

Emily's brow twitched. She understood exactly what he meant.

This was Andrew's final offer.

He had pride, and after being refused so many times, he wouldn't humiliate himself further for someone he saw as insignificant.

There was only one person Andrew Lane would go to such lengths for, over and over, regardless of rejection.

Isabella Austin.