Andrew Lane didn't answer her directly. He just looked at her and said quietly, "You should head back."

"I see how it is," Emily Blair replied with a faint smile. "Mr. Lane, you really are full of surprises."

Andrew's brows drew together in a sharp line. His lips parted as if he wanted to say something, but in the end, he said nothing.

Emily waited a moment, but no words came from Andrew Lane.

Off to the side, Isabella Austin's smile nearly stretched to her temples, and Amelia Lane was watching Emily with a look that was equal parts pity and sympathy.

Emily nodded, her voice calm. "Well then, goodbye."

She tossed the words over her shoulder, turned on her heel, and walked away with brisk determination—no hesitation, no looking back.

Isabella pressed her lips into a delicate smile. "Andrew, Emily's got a bit of a temper, but don't take it to heart. She has no idea how important Black and White Rabbit is to us. Let's not get hung up on it, alright? Come on, why don't you take Dennis home and put him to bed?"

It was a few moments before Andrew finally muttered his agreement.

Isabella's eyes crinkled with satisfaction.

Once Emily got into the car, Tristan Davis climbed in right behind her.

He leaned over, watching her face in silence. Emily's expression was composed, but Tristan Davis-who prided himself on knowing her better than anyone else in the world-could see right through her. She was in a foul mood, no doubt about it.

His voice was gentle. "Are you upset?"

Emily's tone was steady, but it wasn't hard to hear the stiffness beneath. “A little.” Tristan let out a soft chuckle and shifted closer, draping his arm over her shoulder. "See, I told you. Older guys just aren't reliable. You should really put your faith in a young, handsome guy like me."

He grinned, only half-joking. “Just say the word and I'll devote my life to working for you. Loyalty and devotion run in The Davis Family, you know."

Emily rolled her eyes. “Oh, please. You don't even have a job right now. How exactly are you going to work for me?"

Tristan scoffed, sounding even more offended. “Why do you underestimate me? Ever heard of 'every dog has its day'?"

Emily's reply was dismissive. "Why don't you find a real job first, then we'll talk."

She'd watched Tristan pop in and out of her life for years now, always vanishing and reappearing at random. He hardly seemed like someone with a steady career.

For once, Tristan fell silent. Then he grumbled, "Stop looking down on me."

Emily had just learned that the rights to Black and White Rabbit would never be sold to her, and the disappointment still stung. She didn't even have the energy to bicker with Tristan.

Suddenly, she felt a weight on her shoulder. She glanced over-and sure enough, Tristan's big head was resting against her.

She almost wanted to fling him out the window. "Hey, I'm the one who's upset and in need of a shoulder. What are you doing?"

Tristan just nuzzled closer, shamelessly rubbing his head on her shoulder. "Let me lean on you for a bit, just for a bit. Don't be stingy. I'll let you lean back on me later, deal?"

Emily could only look away in exasperation.

For a while, the car was quiet. Emily kept her head down, replying to work messages, until suddenly she heard Tristan's voice again.

“Hey, Emily, I'm serious. If you need help, I'm here. All you have to do is ask.....”

His tone was casual, almost as if he hadn't really thought it through before saying it.

Emily almost thought she'd misheard him.

She turned her head, but all she could see was the top of Tristan's head and the bridge of his nose his expression was hidden.

After a long moment, she managed to squeeze out a reply. "... Did you take your meds today?"

Tristan let out a groan. Emily Blair was going to be the death of him.