My Great Escape Led Me to You novel Chapter 184

At this hour, nearly everyone had gathered at the entrance to the ballroom. No one would be lingering outside the lounge anymore.

That meant she had plenty of time—and space—to slip out through the wall again if she needed to.

Emily Blair made up her mind in an instant. She didn’t hesitate or look back, just turned on her heel and walked away.

Behind her, Amelia Lane shrieked, “Emily Blair! You wretch! I hope you rot in hell!”

Emily ignored her and strode to the door, hand reaching for the handle.

But just as her fingers hovered an inch from the knob, the door swung open from the other side.

Emily jerked back, startled. The gap widened.

Her eyes narrowed.

Standing outside were Andrew Lane and Isabella Austin, arms linked intimately. Behind them was a crowd—everyone who was supposed to be inside the ballroom by now.

Emily’s brow twitched.

Isabella was the first to spot her. She hesitated, then dropped her voice, sounding as if she was truly concerned.

“Emily, I thought you’d left already. What are you still doing here?”

Isabella was quiet, but her words reached everyone, especially Kevin Lane—the man who’d never allowed Emily to attend these gatherings.

Kevin’s frown deepened as he stepped forward. “Emily Blair, what are you doing here?”

Others joined in, voices dripping with ridicule.

“Yeah, why is she here? As far as I know, Emily Blair didn’t even get an invitation. How did she sneak in?”

“Everyone knows she’s obsessed with Mr. Lane. She probably begged her way in, hoping to cling to him.”

“Lucky Ms. Austin showed up, or she would’ve wormed her way in for sure.”

Kevin’s glare turned sharp. “Emily Blair, what on earth are you wearing? Get out. Don’t disgrace us in front of our guests.”

Emily had deliberately chosen a white, shapeless dress—something she’d dug out from the back of her closet, wrinkled and ill-fitting, perfect for spooking Amelia earlier. She’d even messed up her hair. Now, standing among the elegant elite, she looked utterly out of place.

Isabella pressed her lips together, her expression full of feigned sympathy. “Grandpa, don’t be so harsh. Emily’s been working after school just to make ends meet. She’s doing her best. We shouldn’t judge her for her clothes.”

She looked so sincere, her eyes practically brimming with concern for Emily.

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