Emily Blair's suitcase was in Tristan Davis's hand, leaving her empty-handed. She spoke in her usual calm tone. "In that case, please let Mr. Lane know I have some things to take care of. I'll be at The Lane Estate tonight for Mr. and Mrs. Lane's anniversary celebration, and I'll bring their gift then."

The assistant looked troubled. "Ms. Blair, Mr. Lane asked me specifically to make sure you come back with me today. He wants you to stay at The Lane Estate for the next few days. Your room is already prepared. Would you—?"

Before Emily could answer, Tristan stepped in, slipping one arm comfortably around her shoulders. With an easy grin, he said, “Sounds like we'll have to apologize, then. We really do have important things to deal with. Mr. Lane's generous—he won't hold it against us."

The assistant hesitated, clearly flustered. "I... well..."

Tristan gave Emily's shoulder a reassuring squeeze. "Come on, what are we waiting for?"

Emily simply nodded, letting Tristan guide her out of the airport.

At the VIP exit, a sleek black Bentley rolled to a stop. The tinted window lowered slowly, revealing a pair of sharp, dark eyes-cool and silent-watching the striking man and woman at the doors. Andrew Lane's chiseled features were half-hidden by the dim interior, but his gaze was unmistakable.

From across the terminal, the assistant hurried over. "Mr. Lane, Ms. Blair said she has something to handle and will only be able to come tonight."

Andrew's voice was detached, almost chilly. "Understood."

Relieved, the assistant exhaled quietly and slid into the driver's seat, sneaking a glance at Andrew's expression in the rearview mirror.

Thank God-he didn't look angry.

But Andrew still hadn't rolled up the window. He kept his eyes fixed on the couple, watching them from a distance.

Andrew Lane, coming in person to pick up Emily Blair?

And Emily had just turned him down.

Unbelievable.

The assistant dabbed at the sweat on his forehead and asked quietly, “Mr. Lane, shall we go now?"

The couple disappeared into their car. Andrew lowered his gaze and looked away. "Let's go."

Halfway down the road, Andrew glanced at a message on his phone and spoke in his usual even tone. "We'll pick Dennis up first."

The assistant looked over his shoulder. "At the amusement park?”

Andrew locked his screen. "He's at The Galleria."

"Got it.” The assistant swung the car in a new direction.

Before they'd even come to a full stop outside The Galleria, Andrew spotted Isabella Austin waiting by the entrance.

He told the assistant to park, then stepped out himself. As he approached, the tension in his brow eased and his voice softened slightly. "Where's Dennis?"

With a playful smile, Isabella slipped her arm through his. "He refuses to leave, as usual. Let's just wait for him inside. Do you have anything else you need to take care of?"

Andrew shook his head, letting Isabella lead him through the doors. "No."

Isabella's smile grew as she pressed a little closer. "That's good. You have no idea, Andrew-Dennis is growing up so fast. He won't listen to a word I say anymore. He's run around till he's sweating and his clothes are filthy, but he just won't leave." Her tone was warm and familiar. "He only listens to you now. You're his dad, so you'd better have a good talk with him. If this keeps up, I won't be able to handle him on my own."

She looked up at Andrew, her eyes sparkling with laughter.

A rare smile touched Andrew's lips. "Alright."

Whenever anyone mentioned their only son, Dennis Lane, Andrew seemed transformed-more human, less the ruthless businessman he was known to be.

Isabella basked in this side of him, her happiness lighting up her face.