Escape from Mr. Whitman (Emma and Theodore) novel Chapter 166

Emma tilted her chin and stared straight at her father, her eyes practically daring him—Go ahead, hit me if you want!

Gabriella quickly grabbed Julian’s hand, shooting him pleading glances. “She’s not a little girl anymore; she has her pride. Don’t lay a finger on her!”

Julian caught Gabriella’s message, but it wasn’t really about Emma growing up. Times had changed. Emma was now the wife of a CEO, and their family still needed help from Mr. Whitman!

He seethed, but swallowed his anger.

Gabriella put on her best motherly tone. “Emma, your father and I raised you all these years. No matter what, you owe us some gratitude.”

Emma shot back, “You raised me? Did you ever put food on my table? Pay for my schooling? Grandma’s the one who’s always looked after me!”

Gabriella flushed, words caught in her throat. “Aren’t you our daughter? Just giving birth to you is a blessing! You wouldn’t even exist without us. For that alone, you should respect your father!”

“Oh, really?” Emma turned to Jonathan. “If just being born matters so much, tell me, how much has your precious son given you lately? I’ll take the same deal—whatever he gives, I’ll do too.”

Jonathan’s face went red. “Why drag me into this? What’s it got to do with me?”

“How much has he given you? Go on, say it.” Emma knew the answer—absolutely nothing.

Julian’s face was crimson. “How can you compare yourself to your brother? He’s worked so hard to start his own business! And now he’s about to get married. I’m not asking you for much, just follow through on that house we talked about last time.”

Gabriella chimed in, her voice syrupy with persuasion. “That’s right, Emma. Your brother’s situation is different from yours. You married well—better than most people could dream of. You can help your family without even noticing. Don’t dwell on how much Theodore spends on you; he’s your husband, of course he spends on you! But we’re your real family. We’re the ones you should care about.”

Emma let out a short, incredulous laugh. How could anyone be so shameless?

Grandma was shaking with anger. “Just look at yourselves! Do you have any idea how parents are supposed to act? No wonder—you can’t even treat your two children fairly, and you can’t stop burdening your daughter, either!”

Gabriella pouted. “Mom, you’re playing favorites! You always side with Emma. Isn’t Joey your own grandson? What kind of grandmother chooses her granddaughter over her grandson?”

Grandma bristled. “My own grandson? He doesn’t even carry my family name!”

Gabriella rolled her eyes. “So what, Mom? Aren’t you part of the Bennett family?” Suddenly her eyes lit up with mock suspicion. “Wait—are you sweet on some old man? Is that why you’re talking like this?”

Julian narrowed his eyes, joining in. “Mom, at your age, don’t go getting any funny ideas!”

Emma didn’t believe it for a moment. “What’s your angle this time?”

“Is that any way to speak to your elders? You ungrateful brat!” Julian snapped.

Emma just snorted.

Gabriella bustled in, lugging the basket of groceries. “See? We really did come to see you, Mom. Julian said you’ve had a hard life, so on his birthday, it’s only right to honor you. I’ll cook tonight—let’s make it a family celebration, just the four of us.”

Grandma, no stranger to these two’s little schemes, was having none of it. She knew better than to trust their sudden change of heart. “No need. Take your food and eat it yourselves.”

“Mom, don’t be so formal! I’ll start dinner now.” Gabriella ignored Emma and Grandma’s protests and marched straight into the kitchen.

With Grandma’s age and Emma’s injured foot, they couldn’t stop her.

“Emmie, let’s just let them be. We can go out for a walk,” Grandma said, resigned. Sometimes you can’t fight, but you can always walk away.

“Mom, what’s this about? Your son, daughter-in-law, and grandson go out of their way to visit, and you want to leave? Think how that makes me feel! Don’t you love me anymore? Or Joey?” Julian blinked furiously, trying to squeeze out a tear or two.