My Great Escape Led Me to You (Emily Blair) novel Chapter 1139

Tristan let out a soft scoff and casually ran his fingers through his hair, flashing a confident, movie-star smile. “Say whatever you want. Emily’s not going to buy it.”

That kind of self-assurance made Tanner want to punch something. Seriously, these two being all lovey-dovey in front of him, when he was still nursing a broken heart? Unbearable.

He was just about to launch a pillow at Tristan when a knock sounded at the door. The housekeeper called out, letting them know lunch was ready.

Tristan shot him an innocent look. Tanner narrowed his eyes, grumbling, “Fine, this time you get a pass.”

Tristan just chuckled under his breath.

Still fuming, Tanner slammed the pillow onto the bed and stomped out.

They made their way downstairs, one after the other.

The whole house felt tense. Steven was already seated at the head of the table, his face set and stern.

Tristan greeted him politely, with Tanner echoing him.

Steven barely acknowledged Tristan. Instead, he turned to Tanner. “Treat this like your own home. Eat whatever you want.”

As if Tristan didn’t even exist. Not that it bothered Tristan—he just sat down, looking totally unbothered and at ease.

Tanner shot him a look, practically daring him to react.

Tristan didn’t notice and just kept eating like nothing was out of the ordinary.

Steven watched this and let out a cold snort. “I haven’t even started eating. What are you in such a hurry for?”

Tristan froze mid-bite, put his chopsticks down, and gestured politely. “Grandpa, please, you first.”

Steven grunted, picked up a piece of meat, and dropped it into Tanner’s bowl. “Eat up. You should finish Tristan’s share too.”

“Thanks, Grandpa!” Tanner said, his voice full of glee.

Tristan waited until his grandfather took a bite before picking up his own chopsticks, but he still heard Steven’s grumble.

“What’s with the face? You act like eating here is torture.”

Tanner ducked his head, trying not to laugh.

Tristan paused, then turned and gave his grandfather a big, sunny smile. He picked up some greens and, still smiling, popped them into his mouth.

Tanner nearly spit out his food laughing, barely managing to keep it together.

Steven grunted again, then looked at Tanner. “Eat more. If it’s not enough, I’ll have the kitchen make more.”

With Steven’s hospitality, Tanner’s bowl was soon overflowing.

He shot Tristan a smug look, saying with his eyes, “Karma’s real, Tristan.”

When lunch finally finished, Tristan wiped his mouth. “Grandpa, I’m heading to the office now.”

Steven stared at him for a second. “Did you put medicine on your face?”

His tone was icy, the words more like an interrogation than concern.

Not wanting to push his luck, Tristan answered honestly. “Yes, I did.”

Steven looked away, his voice low. “You brought this on yourself.”

Tristan let out a quiet sigh. “Alright, Grandpa, I’m off.”

Steven didn’t reply.

When Tanner finally calmed down, he glanced over and saw Tristan grinning at his phone like a lovesick fool.

Tanner’s skin crawled at the sweetness. He rubbed his arms. “Tristan, are you sure you’re okay?”

Tristan put his phone away, completely calm. “A single guy like you wouldn’t get it.”

Tanner scowled. “What’s that supposed to mean?”

Tristan shrugged. “Just telling the truth.”

Tanner huffed. “Just wait. I’ll be off the singles list soon enough.”

Tristan didn’t even look convinced.

Right then, Tanner’s phone buzzed with a new message.

He hadn’t started the car yet, so he checked it. His whole face lit up.

It was Amelia Lane.

She asked if he was still in the city, said she’d just landed at the airport, and wanted him to pick her up.

His heart skipped a beat.

Not only had Amelia taken him off her blocklist, but she’d actually come to the city to see him.

His chest tightened with excitement.

He replied right away: Okay, I’ll come get you!

Amelia’s answer came quick: No need, my brother’s coming to get me.