Escape from Mr. Whitman (Emma and Theodore) novel Chapter 175

When Theodore arrived at Emma’s grandmother’s house, he found only the driver waiting inside. The place was empty except for him.

“Where is everybody?” Theodore asked, frowning.

The driver quickly straightened up. “Ma’am said she was taking Grandma out for dinner.”

Theodore stared at him, speechless for a moment.

He wondered if it was time to hire a new driver.

“I know they went out to eat! Didn’t you already tell me that?” he snapped.

The driver blinked at him, his eyes quietly protesting: Yes, I did. So why are you asking again?

Theodore felt his irritation spike.

“They’re not back yet?” he pressed.

The driver looked even more confused, scratching his head. Wasn’t it obvious? If they were back, the house wouldn’t be empty. Was his boss always this slow?

Theodore finally caught on to the look the driver was giving him and was momentarily at a loss for words.

Where did they go to eat, anyway? He had no idea. Was there really a time when he didn’t know Emma’s whereabouts? Jared’s words echoed in his mind: You spoil her too much. Cut off her allowance, freeze her cards, and see how long she lasts.

Theodore gave a bitter smile.

He couldn’t do that.

He owed her a leg—a debt he’d carry for the rest of his life. Money was the only way he knew how to make it up to her.

He tried calling Emma, five times in a row, but she didn’t answer.

Then he tried his grandmother’s phone, but it was already turned off.

He sent Emma a message: Are you still having dinner?

No reply.

With a last glimmer of hope, he thought about calling Fallon to see if Emma had come home, but remembered just as he was about to dial that Fallon was still in the hospital.

He took the elevator up, unlocked the door with his fingerprint, and as the warm light spilled out into the hallway, his heart finally settled. He couldn’t help but laugh at himself—where else could she go? Where else did she have to return to, if not here?

“Emma?” he called out from the entryway.

She poked her head out of the bedroom. “Oh? You’re home?”

She didn’t look the least bit guilty.

So, he had been overthinking, just as Jared said. Without him, she’d starve. What could a dancer do if she couldn’t dance anymore?

“When did you get back? Why didn’t you answer my calls or reply to my messages?” he asked, walking into the room.

“Oh, I didn’t see. Didn’t hear, either,” she said, busy folding laundry.

“With Fallon in the hospital, we should hire someone else to help out for a while. Why are you doing all this yourself?” He loosened his tie.

“I’m not an invalid, you know. I can handle a few chores,” she replied briskly, folding each shirt with practiced ease.

“Where’s Grandma?” Theodore realized she was the only one home.