Escape from Mr. Whitman (Emma and Theodore) novel Chapter 212

Emma picked up the call. From the background noise, it sounded like Theodore was in the middle of a meeting—voices murmured around him, but his own was moving further away.

“Emma, I saw the flight details. We’re leaving for Willowbrook tomorrow around noon, right?”

“That’s right. We’ll spend a night in Willowbrook, then rent a car and drive ourselves the rest of the way,” she replied, sounding as if every detail had already been meticulously arranged.

“Alright,” he agreed. “But you’ll need to take me off your blocked list—it’s a pain if I need to send you anything.”

“Oh—right.” Emma only just remembered. At the moment, he could only call or text her.

Someone must have walked past him, jokingly calling out, “Hey, who’s got the guts to put our CEO Whitman on their blocked list?”

Theodore’s laughter filtered through the line. “Dave, don’t tease. I must have upset my wife and she’s making me pay for it.”

Emma didn’t know this Dave, but he roared with laughter. “I thought so! Only Mrs. Whitman could get the upper hand on CEO Whitman.”

Theodore returned to the call. “Alright, Emma, we’ll talk more when I get back. I have a client waiting.” He hung up.

Emma turned her thoughts to packing.

This time, she planned to travel light—bring as little as possible, draw no attention. She’d buy whatever else she needed once she got to the city.

A single bag would do.

Next on her list: draft the divorce papers and write Theodore a letter.

The divorce agreement was simple enough. She had more than enough saved—well into the millions now. She didn’t need another cent from Theodore.

There were five houses in Cresthaven under her name, including the one they lived in now. She’d take four; the current one she’d leave to him. Its code was Cecilia’s birthday, and every detail of the decor catered to Cecilia’s tastes. Emma had lived there five years, but it never felt like hers. Let him have it.

She also had shares in the company, but she didn’t want them anymore. The company was Theodore’s; she wanted a clean break. He could buy out her shares.

That was it.

As for the letter to Theodore, she agonized for a long time over what to say. Should she write with bitterness and blame? List out every one of his failings?

In the end, she decided against it.

Every word of resentment would only rebound on her, dragging her down once more. There was no need. A clean break hurt, but maybe this was how she’d finally set herself free.

They always said broken bones took months to heal, and Fallon’s injuries this time were serious.

Emma had a feeling Fallon suspected something, but she still felt it was best to say goodbye in person.

She’d originally planned to ask Fallon to help look after her grandmother once she left, but now that her plans had changed, she was taking her grandmother with her.

Fallon was delighted to see her, though there was a hint of embarrassment too.

“Ma’am, you really don’t have to come visit me. I’m doing just fine here.” Fallon had an attendant to help, and she hated that Emma, struggling with her own injury, had to make the trip.

Emma just smiled. “This will probably be the last time I come visit you.”

“Ma’am… You’re not coming back?” Fallon had half-expected it.

There was a pause. “I don’t know what the future holds, but as for Cresthaven… Even if I do come back, it’ll only be to take care of some business. Most likely, I won’t be staying. I’m sorry, Fallon. I wanted to help you arrange your next job, but things have changed. Do you have any new plans?”

“Don’t worry about me, ma’am. I’ll look for another job. You and your family have been more than good to me these past years.” Fallon smiled warmly.

Emma settled up Fallon’s wages, giving her an extra six months’ pay.