Escape from Mr. Whitman (Emma and Theodore) novel Chapter 249

That was the feeblest excuse imaginable.

On the other end of the call, Cecilia watched as Theodore hung up, her curiosity bubbling over. “What is it?” she asked quickly.

“It’s nothing. Fallon just said she wants to quit,” Theodore replied, pocketing his phone.

Cecilia let out a long sigh of relief. But honestly, so what if a servant spilled the truth? If she dared to do something, she wasn’t afraid to face the consequences. Next to Theodore, even Emma couldn’t compare to her—so what chance did a maid have? After all, she’d nearly gotten Emma killed, and still Theodore had taken her side.

The thought sent a secret thrill through her. At that moment, she spotted Emma’s Celestial Goldsmith dress and yanked it out of the closet.

“Wow, this dress is gorgeous! Is it for me?” She held it up, eyes shining.

Theodore glanced over. “That one’s Emma’s.”

“Emma…” Cecilia’s eyes darted slyly. “Theo, this is perfect timing! I have that charity gala coming up, the one you and Jared are taking me to. I don’t have a gown. Can I borrow this one?”

Theodore hesitated. “Why that dress? It’s tailored for Emma—you might not fit. I’ll take you shopping for another. This is just a small designer’s piece. Why not get something from Dior or Chanel instead?”

“No!” Cecilia protested, holding the dress up against herself and admiring the reflection. “You have no idea how popular EL is right now. He studied in England, worked at those big-name fashion houses you just mentioned, then came back and started his own private studio. He’s huge—even overseas! Celebrities are lining up for his red carpet designs, and not everyone can even get an appointment.”

“Is that so?” Theodore had paid zero attention to fashion since Emma took over his wardrobe five years ago.

“Yes, Theo, please—let me try it on first! If it fits, can I have it? Please?” Without waiting for an answer, Cecilia swept up the dress and hurried to the guest bathroom.

When she emerged a few minutes later, her mood had soured. The dress was too small—the side zipper wouldn’t go up by almost two inches.

“Theo…” she whined, frustration coloring her voice, “what am I supposed to do? I just want an EL gown so badly!”

Ms. Bennett…

Theodore didn’t think much of it and took Cecilia straight to the designer’s studio.

But when they arrived, the assistant’s expression shifted ever so slightly upon realizing the dress was for Cecilia. “Sir, is this not for Ms. Bennett?”

“That’s right,” Theodore said. “This is a friend of mine—she’s a huge fan of Mr. Ellis’s work and would love to commission something.”

The assistant’s polite smile became almost mechanical. “I’m sorry, Mr. Whitman, but we only accept commissions from regular clients.”

Theodore’s brow furrowed. “I’m not a regular client? I just picked up several pieces, and I’m wearing one of your suits right now.”

The assistant maintained the same professional smile. “I’m afraid our regular client is Ms. Bennett, not you, Mr. Whitman.”