Escape from Mr. Whitman (Emma and Theodore) novel Chapter 15

Just then, Ms. Brown’s phone rang. From her tone, it was clear someone was looking for her.

Emma realized she couldn’t keep Ms. Brown any longer; it was time for her to go.

Theodore turned to them. “Mr. Warren, Ms. Brown, where are you staying? Let me give you a ride.”

They were at the hotel next door, so there was really no need. But Ms. Brown, ever cautious, turned to Emma, “And where are you staying, Emma?”

Emma glanced at Theodore before answering, naming her street and apartment complex.

“Warren, I’ll just call a cab,” Ms. Brown said. “You should give Emma a ride instead.”

Theodore quickly chimed in, “Actually, we live right next to Miss Bennett’s place. It’s no trouble at all. We’ll drop Emma off.”

Ms. Brown hesitated. “Well…”

Emma, perfectly composed, agreed, “Sure, thank you for the trouble, Mr. Whitman.” She put a little emphasis on “Mr. Whitman.”

Theodore heard the pointed tone and frowned, but Emma pretended not to notice.

So it was settled–Theodore, Emma, and Cecilia took the elevator down to the parking garage.

Once there, Cecilia stopped at the entrance, smiling sweetly. “Alright, Theo, you two head home. I’ll call a ride. Emma, I’m returning Mrs. Whitman to you now.”

Returning her? Since when did Emma loan her out?

Cecília clung to Emma’s arm, swaying and pleading, “Emma, please don’t be upset. Today’s misunderstanding wasn’t intentional. Theo just really cares about this partnership, and since Mr. Warren and his wife have such a good relationship, it helps the project if our side looks close too. So, we just went with the misunderstanding instead of clearing it up. After all, you-” She glanced down at Emma’s leg, then leaned in closer. “You won’t be mad at us, right, Emma?”

“Us?” Emma snorted. “Who’s ‘us‘? Who are you grouping together exactly?” Cecilia’s face fell.

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Chapter 15

Emma already disliked strangers invading her space, and it was ten times worse when it was Cecilia. Without another word, she pulled her arm free.

She swore–she really just pulled her arm away, not even forcefully, definitely didn’t push Cecilia. But Cecilia collapsed theatrically to the ground anyway.

“Emma!” Theodore’s voice echoed in the garage, sharp and accusatory.

No one was more dramatic than Cecilia–she scrambled up and flung herself in front of Theodore, practically wrapping herself around him. “Theo, don’t be angry. Don’t blame Emma. It was my fault, honestly–I just lost my balance when she nudged me. Please, don’t fight because of me. I’d feel terrible…”

Her performance was wasted on anyone but Theodore. As she pleaded, she made sure the scraped skin on her wrist was fully visible–right where she wore the brand–new watch, the same model Emma owned ten of.

Theodore spotted the abrasion and his face darkened with concern. “Emma! What’s gotten into you? You’re always so gentle and thoughtful. Why are you so hostile

toward Cici?”

“Hostile?” Emma’s laugh was light and cold. “Why would I be? After all, she’s Mrs. Whitman now. What reason could I possibly have?”

“You-” Theodore was at a loss for words. He turned to Cecilia, “Does it hurt?”

“Not at all…” Cecilia squeaked, her voice trembling as she pressed her wrist under Theodore’s chin for him to see.

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