To everyone's surprise, Isabella Austin came back just as quickly as she'd left. Before Tristan Davis could step into the hospital room, she slammed the door shut and strode straight up to Emily.

Emily Blair watched her approach with calm detachment, almost amused.

Isabella's voice was sharp and trembling with anger. "Emily Blair, what the hell is going on? Tell me the truth."

Emily looked at her with mock concern. "Why, Isabella, you seem awfully anxious. Is something the matter?"

Isabella gritted her teeth, lowering her voice. "Drop the act, Emily. You know something, don't you? You know I wasn't the one who did this."

Emily's tone was gentle, almost sympathetic. "You're right. I know it wasn't you."

Color drained from Isabella's face. “I knew it—you set me up! You—”

“But Andrew Lane already suspects you," Emily interrupted softly, taking a step closer, locking eyes with Isabella.

Isabella's pupils shook. "No. That's impossible. Andrew trusts me. He always has."

Emily's smile was almost pitying. "If he really trusted you, Isabella, why did he suddenly stop looking into what happened? Why did he pull back before he found the truth?"

Isabella bit her lip, her hands curling into fists.

Emily's voice dropped to a whisper. "You know why. He was afraid of what he'd find if he kept digging. He was afraid it would lead straight to you. That's why he stopped."

"That's not true!" Isabella's voice rose, shrill and desperate.

Emily's reply was soft as velvet. "Five years ago, he would have believed anything you said, no matter what. But things have changed, Isabella. The two of you aren't what you used to be. He's starting to doubt you. You don't hold the same place in his heart anymore."

A shadow flickered across Isabella's face. Emily pressed on, voice low and merciless. "You're scared, aren't you? Scared that one day Andrew won't love you anymore."

Something cold and dangerous flashed in Isabella's eyes as she snapped, "Emily Blair, aren't you afraid I'll tell Andrew everything you just said?"

Emily let out a soft, dismissive laugh. "Go ahead. Tell him. But deep down, you know he won't believe you—at least, not now."

And Isabella knew it was true.

Even if she repeated every word Emily had just said, Andrew Lane wouldn't believe her. Not after tonight. Because suspicion had already taken root in his mind, and he'd stopped searching for answers to protect her. That was the best she could hope for he certainly wouldn't believe any story that made her look innocent.

Suddenly, Isabella forced a twisted smile. "You must be pretty anxious too, Emily. Sure, Andrew suspects me, but he's still protecting me. He still loves me, not you. He would never punish me for your sake, or even say a harsh word to me. Just like five years ago—you're still the loser in this game."

"Maybe." Emily's smile was serene. "But Isabella, all I wanted was for you to know what it feels like to be under Andrew Lane's suspicion.”

Isabella glared at her, breathing hard.

"That's all I needed," Emily said calmly.

She continued, her voice steady. "Remember? Five years ago, when I was still living at the Lane estate, you accused me of something I didn't do. I had no way to defend myself. Everyone believed you, everyone looked down on me—including Andrew Lane."

"Congratulations, Isabella. Now you know exactly how that feels." Emily's eyes gleamed with a cold satisfaction. "It's not so pleasant, is it?”

Isabella's face twisted with rage, her jaw clenching so tightly a muscle twitched. "Emily Blair, I won't forget this. I'll never forgive you for what you've done-never."

Emily's smile was unwavering. "I'll be waiting."