My Great Escape Led Me to You (Emily Blair) novel Chapter 963

Suddenly, her gaze froze on a spot just behind Emily Blair, eyes widening in surprise.

Sensing the shift, Emily turned to look over her shoulder.

A young man stood there, impeccably dressed in a tailored suit that accentuated his long legs. His hair was slicked back, emphasizing his sharp brow and high forehead; his lips pressed into a faint, unreadable line. He strode in at a measured pace, a small entourage following at his heels.

It was Andrew Lane.

Elizabeth Wilson frowned. “What’s he doing here?”

Emily replied, “The Lane Group expanded into the tech sector a few years back. It’s not surprising he’d show up.”

She was about to look away when Andrew Lane suddenly turned, catching her gaze. For a moment, their eyes met across the room.

Unfazed, Emily broke the connection and said to Elizabeth, “Let’s go.”

Immediately, Elizabeth shifted from clinging to the wall to gripping Emily’s arm. “You’ve got to protect me—don’t let any cats get near me.”

It wasn’t until they reached the conference room and took their seats—arranged by Vanguard Automotive—that Emily noticed Benjamin Gomez and Juliana Silva were here as well, sitting directly in front of her.

Emily glanced around, trying to spot Andrew Lane. He wasn’t far, seated on the same row as Benjamin Gomez, though several people separated them, making it unlikely they’d notice each other.

With no cats in sight, Elizabeth finally relaxed. “Thank goodness. This place is terrifying, but at least there aren’t any cats in here.”

“Sit up straight,” Emily reminded her quietly. “The meeting’s about to start.”

Elizabeth immediately straightened in her chair. “Right, right. Got to represent the company properly.”

The meeting began with the head of Vanguard Automotive presenting their driverless car technology—a pitch Emily had already read in most of the proposal documents.

Her attention drifted as she studied the two people in front of her, especially the woman beside Benjamin Gomez.

The build, the posture, the way she held herself—it was all so familiar.

Ever since Isabella Austin disappeared, Juliana Silva had appeared in her place.

Emily’s suspicions sharpened.

Elizabeth grabbed Emily’s arm. “Come on, let’s get out of here while it’s crowded. If there are any cats lurking, at least other people can shield me.”

Emily gently pulled her arm free. “I’ve got something to take care of. You go ahead without me.”

Elizabeth hesitated. “What are you up to?”

“I heard from the staff there are lots of fun things to do here. I want to check out some of the attractions. Why don’t you stay a little longer?”

“No way,” Elizabeth said quickly. “With all these cats around, I have to get back.”

Emily waved her off with a smile. “See you later.”

Elizabeth bolted for the exit.

Emily’s gaze never left Benjamin and Juliana as they made their way upstairs—heading, it seemed, toward the lounge bar on the second floor.

Without hesitation, Emily followed.