Escape from Mr. Whitman (Emma and Theodore) novel Chapter 167

Julian punctuated his words with a sharp kick to Jonathan’s leg—a not-so-subtle hint.

Dragging his feet, Jonathan shuffled over, face twisted into a pitiful expression. “Grandma, didn’t you used to dote on me the most when I was little? Now you only care about Sis. Is it because I haven’t made as much money as her? Do you look down on me for that?”

“Rubbish!” Grandma trembled with anger. “Other than the three of you, who in this house cares about any of that money?”

“Then why don’t you love me anymore, Grandma?” Jonathan’s voice wobbled, and his eyes grew glassy. “Just thinking about it makes me miserable…”

Grandma, for all her sternness, couldn’t bring herself to scold her grandson too harshly. Her eyes reddened, and she looked deeply pained.

Emma’s patience finally snapped. “How can you say something so heartless, Jonathan? Who took care of you when your parents were too busy living it up to even buy formula? Who paid the doctor when you were sick, stayed up night after night at your bedside? Who covered your college tuition when your parents didn’t give a dime? Who made sure you had money each month for living expenses? The little bit of money Grandma had—our whole family used it up! And you have the nerve to say she doesn’t love you?”

Jonathan turned away, muttering, “Wasn’t that Grandpa? He’s the one who spoiled me the most.”

“Oh, really? Grandpa’s the one who loves you best?” Emma shot back, nodding. “Then go ask Grandpa for an investment in your company. Go ask him for a project, or for a house so you can get married.”

Jonathan’s scowl deepened. “That’s because my brother-in-law actually achieved something.”

Emma gave a cold laugh. “So what exactly are you doing here today? Showing off your concern? Or do you have something else up your sleeve?”

“I told you, we’re just here to keep Grandma company. Why do you always think the worst of people?”

“That’s right, that’s right—we’re just here to see Grandma. Emma, don’t make a scene,” Gabriella called out as she emerged from the kitchen, clutching a chunk of roast beef.

Julian and Jonathan stood blocking the doorway, refusing to let Emma and Grandma leave.

Grandma answered first. “It’s not impossible. If Jonathan is really getting married, you can let the newlyweds have the house, and you and your wife can come back to live here. That’s fine.”

“But…” Julian hesitated, “Mom, you’d have to sign the deed over to me.”

Grandma nearly jabbed him with her fork in outrage. “That house belongs to your sister! When your father passed, you took every penny—even my share. You thought the cottage wasn’t worth anything and left it to your sister!”

“See, Mom? That’s where you’re wrong,” Julian retorted. “You tricked me back then, made me think that was all of Dad’s savings. But I know you’ve been hiding money! Dad left way more than that. You’re still sitting on a fortune. Who are you saving it for? Alfven’s living the good life abroad, Emma’s husband has more money than he could ever spend, so what are you holding onto it for? Looking for a new man?”

Grandma was so furious she nearly passed out, clutching her chest and gasping for air. “You ungrateful wretch!” she spat at Julian.

Emma rushed to her side, gently soothing her back. “Grandma, don’t let him get to you! That’s exactly what he wants. The angrier you get, the happier he’ll be. Please, you have to take care of yourself—you can’t let them win!”