Escape from Mr. Whitman (Emma and Theodore) novel Chapter 297

Whitman Corporation.

It was well past lunchtime by the time the morning meeting finally wrapped up—a full four hours straight. Suddenly, the conference room fell silent.

Everyone exchanged glances, uncertain. All the agenda items had been covered, but they were still waiting for Mr. Whitman to officially adjourn the meeting. He seemed lost in thought, as if there was something more on his mind.

Jared cleared his throat gently. “Mr. Whitman, is there anything else you’d like to add?”

Theodore snapped out of his reverie. “Oh, no, that’s all. Thank you, everyone. Meeting’s adjourned.”

Chairs scraped back as people stood, but just then the conference room door swung open. A bright, cheerful voice rang out, “You all worked so hard today! Lunch is on me—let’s eat right here.”

Cecilia beamed as she carried in two large bags of takeout. “There’s plenty more outside. I’ll bring in the rest after you open these.”

A chorus of cheers erupted.

“Wow, Mrs. Whitman is treating us! Thank you!”

“We can’t let you carry all that yourself—let us help!”

“We’re so lucky to have you around, Mrs. Whitman!”

For a moment, the whole room was calling her “Mrs. Whitman.” Cecilia’s eyes crinkled with laughter. “Oh, stop! You all work so hard for the company—bringing lunch is the least I can do. You’re the real heroes here.”

She turned to Theodore. “Theo, your lunch is in your office. Do you want to eat there?”

That set off another round of playful teasing.

“So Mr. Whitman gets his own special meal, huh?”

“I don’t know why everyone suddenly started calling me Mrs. Whitman…” Cecilia dabbed at the corners of her eyes, looking truly upset.

“Oh, come on, it’s just a title,” Jared interjected. “Besides, it’s not like it isn’t true… You’re basically family now…”

Theodore closed his eyes, a painful memory from an early morning flashing through his mind.

“It’s all my fault…” Cecilia’s eyes were red as she choked back a sob. “I shouldn’t have come… I just… Jared said you’ve all been working so hard lately… I only wanted to help… This is all my fault… I’m sorry, Theo… I won’t come again…”

The knot of tension in Theodore’s chest finally loosened. He let out a low sigh. “You did nothing wrong. I know you meant well—I’ve known you for years. If anyone’s at fault, it’s me…”

After a moment, he pulled out his phone, opened his chat with Cecilia, and transferred her some money. “I’ve been busy lately. If you want something, just buy it yourself.”

“Theo!” Cecilia bristled, her voice shaking with anger. “Is that really how you see me?”