Escape from Mr. Whitman (Emma and Theodore) novel Chapter 218

Fortunately, the departure lounge was quiet, so when she answered her phone, Emma kept her voice low. “Hello?”

“Why so quiet? What are you up to?” Theodore’s voice came through the line.

“I’m having breakfast out. It’s quiet in here and I don’t want to disturb anyone,” Emma replied, covering the receiver and lowering her voice even further. “Why are you calling so much lately?”

Seriously, it was getting a bit much.

On the other end, Theodore sounded mildly offended. “What, am I bothering you now?”

If only he knew how much.

Rolling her eyes, Emma replied, “Not exactly, just… you’re being a bit of a nuisance.”

“Mrs. Whitman!” Theodore let out a short laugh. “Do you find me a nuisance when I’m sending you money?”

Well, that was different.

“So, what do you want?” She tried to keep it brief, eager to get off the phone before she let anything slip.

“Can’t I just call you for no reason?”

Emma hesitated, at a loss for words. This man really was getting stranger by the day.

“Sure, sure…” She nodded, playing along. “Is there anything I can do for you, Mr. Whitman?”

“Someone’s feeling cheeky today!” His tone softened. “I’m between flights, still got some time before boarding. Just wanted to see if you were awake.”

He must be really bored.

“Don’t you have anything else you want to say to me?”

Emma popped a grape into her mouth and mumbled a vague “Mmm.”

“Emma!”

She blinked, surprised by the sudden sharpness in his voice. Was he getting annoyed?

“You think whatever you’re eating is more important than your husband’s safety?”

Emma quickly swallowed. “Wait, are you getting mugged or something?”

A long sigh came from Theodore. “Forget it. Go ahead, eat your breakfast. I just wanted to hear your voice. Anyway, I need to get ready to board.”

With that, the call ended.

Emma stared at her phone as the dial tone echoed, feeling utterly baffled by the whole exchange.

Her grandmother, sitting beside her, leaned over and whispered, “Was that Theodore?”

He laughed. “Come on, we’re here to have fun. Let’s enjoy ourselves.”

It was almost the same thing Emma had said to her grandmother moments ago.

Just then, the announcement came over the intercom, calling Emma’s flight to board. She squeezed her grandmother’s hand. “Let’s go, Grandma. Time for our little adventure!”

Two hours later, Emma and her grandmother arrived in the capital.

What she hadn’t expected was to see Ms. Brown and Sebastian waiting to greet them at the arrivals gate.

Emma was surprised to see Sebastian waving enthusiastically, arm in arm with Ms. Brown.

Ms. Brown’s face lit up as she saw Emma. “We’ve been waiting for you! And this must be your grandmother? Come on, let’s go see the apartment and then grab a bite to eat.”

The apartment Ms. Brown had found was in a nearly new complex in a lovely neighborhood—parks for strolls, a big shopping center nearby, everything you could need within easy reach. Inside, the place was even better: a cozy two-bedroom with a smart layout and all the essentials, perfect for Emma and her grandmother. Since Emma had mentioned wanting to keep things private, they hadn’t planned on hiring any help for the short stay, so the compact size was just right.

Ms. Brown had even covered the first month’s rent herself.

Emma was deeply grateful, transferring the rent to Ms. Brown as soon as she could.

They’d arrived in the capital a day earlier than planned, giving Emma the perfect chance to get everything in order—shopping for necessities, settling her grandmother in, and making sure all was ready before she left for Europe.

That afternoon, Ms. Brown and Sebastian stuck with them, helping pick out clothes, groceries, and household goods. Emma even bought herself a new suitcase, ready to pack for her trip to Europe straight from the capital.