Escape from Mr. Whitman (Emma and Theodore) novel Chapter 276

Sebastian watched the siblings from the side, knowing he shouldn’t be thinking this way, but he couldn’t help feeling a pang of envy toward Larson. Larson could openly carry her in his arms, comfort her without hesitation.

Emma had never cried so freely in front of anyone before. She’d never had her parents’ affection, so naturally, she never felt she had the right to cry in front of them. She wouldn’t dare break down in front of her grandmother either, afraid it would only worry the old woman.

During her five-year marriage to Theodore, she’d kept her tears hidden, always fearful he’d take offense or that her sadness would become a burden to him. All she’d ever wanted was to keep him happy.

By the time they arrived at the police station, Emma had pulled herself together.

She recounted everything that had happened to the officer, making sure to emphasize that her grandmother had returned to Cresthaven—and that she’d gone with Emma’s parents. Even though Emma couldn’t help worrying that, since her grandmother had gone home with her own son and daughter-in-law and grandson, maybe this didn’t technically count as a missing person, she stressed that she hadn’t been able to reach her parents or brother at all.

The officer checked the airline records and confirmed that all four of them had indeed arrived in Cresthaven. Emma wrote down all of their phone numbers, handed the list to the police, and tried calling them again. Still, none of them picked up.

At last, the police agreed to file the missing persons report and promised to help Emma search. They told her to go home and wait for any updates—they’d contact her the moment they heard anything.

Knowing the police would help brought Emma a glimmer of hope. After thanking the officers, she and the others prepared to leave, determined to do everything she could while working with them.

Outside the station, Emma expected they’d have to call a cab. She was surprised to see a car already waiting in a parking spot by the curb.

As they stepped outside, a middle-aged man got out of the car and called out, “Mr. Rossi? This way, please.”

Emma blinked in confusion—she didn’t know who “Mr. Rossi” was—until she saw Larson respond.

With an apologetic smile, Larson turned to Emma. “Long story, I’ll explain later. I’m Larson, but Gabriel Rossi is also me. I prefer Larson, though. This gentleman is Mr. Fairchild—just call him Mr. Fairchild.”

He continued, “Let’s get some food first, then we’ll drop Mr. Remington off so he can rest. As for me and Emma…” He looked to her for approval. “I was planning to stay at my grandmother’s house, but given what’s going on, it’ll be easier to search if we stay in town. Emmie, would you be alright staying at the hotel with me?”

In the end, she finished the small bowl.

Afterwards, they followed Larson’s plan and drove Sebastian home first.

“Emma,” Sebastian said, feeling awkward about the hotel arrangement but unable to hide his concern for their grandmother, “if there’s any news at all, promise you’ll tell me right away. I’ll keep searching on my end, too.”

He was racked with guilt—the truth was, his sister had always been the one visiting their grandmother regularly, and still, this had happened right under their noses.

“I’m sorry,” Sebastian said softly.

Emma had spent the whole day in a daze, but his words snapped her back to herself. She immediately understood what he meant and shook her head. “Don’t say that. I should be the one thanking you. Grandma and I have already caused enough trouble for you and your family.”